Campaign reaches end of road with new path
ACAMPAIGNER who fought to get pedestrian access from her new-build estate to the town centre has applauded a new footpath.
Julia Dowd has described the opening of the path as being like the moment the Berlin Wall came down.
House builders Persimmon and Bellway funded the new walkway, which will lead from the Fairways and Arcot Manor estates in Cramlington to local shops and services.
Previously, the only access to the town centre had been via the busy A1068.
The planning permission granted for the development did include connections with the town centre, but only when a certain number of homes were built.
But the house builders decided to listen to a two-year campaign by Julia and local councillors and install the path before the threshold was reached.
Julia welcomed the opening of the footpath, saying: “It was like the Berlin Wall coming down.
“I know that sounds ridiculous but the simple thing of having a path in has created so many options for residents.
“You can walk into town in less than half an hour and there is a shop round the corner and a post box we can use. It’s just a lovely thing to see.
“It should have been there from the start, but it’s had such a positive impact. It’s really good news.
“It means families and children will now be able to access local services, schools, local parks and the wider town centre safely on foot without the need to jump into their cars.”
Martin Thrumble, technical director of Persimmon North East said: “We’re pleased to have been able to step in and provide this new pedestrian link for residents.
“Although delivery of the new homes and associated infrastructure is progressing in line with the planning approvals granted, we appreciated the concerns raised by residents and the desire to see some kind of
link in place sooner than originally envisaged.”
The area’s ward councillor, Barry Flux, described the news as “marvellous”.
He continued: “I’m very pleased that the connectivity is in place for the estate.
“Obviously as the development continues to be built there needs to be a pace kept up making sure all infrastructure needs are met and all roads and paths are built when they’re needed.
“We will carry on and make sure the developer follows their mandate in terms of facilities and other aspects related to the development.”