North Tyneside Council (NTC) has informed the North Tyneside Green Party (NTGP) that the construction of the proposed Seafront Sustainable Route has been delayed until ‘the spring’. Work was scheduled to begin in September 2022.
In May this year, NTGP was delighted to share the news that work was to begin on the proposal, supported by £3.5m from the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund (ATF). The plan was for a permanent, segregated, unbroken two-way, safe space along the seafront between the North Shields Fish Quay and St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay. We believe this would encourage and help people to use sustainable and active forms of travel. As well as helping with the cost-of-living crisis we believe it would be a significant step forward in the creation of a cleaner, greener borough – something the council has pledged as part of its declaration of a climate emergency.
Alan Steele, NTGP’s Whitley Bay candidate, and campaigner said ‘We have seen more people taking up active travel, cycling, wheeling and walking, as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, but for many, everyday conditions on the roads are simply not safe enough – this is one reason why the scheme is so important to me’
NTGP also encouraged the council to share the results of their 2021 consultation and communicate more openly on progress with the scheme. We would have considered this an excellent and effective way to engage with residents and communities and push for changes that are much needed in the borough. However, as the summer concluded, no work had started and no updates were available. Alan contacted Cllr Sandra Graham, Whitley Bay Councillor and Cabinet Member for the environment, to get an update. We were then informed that work was delayed and would take up to a year to complete, meaning a summer wasted.
We urge NTC to make a start now and as promised, roll out the works in a phased manner to ensure minimum disruption during busy periods.
Alan said ‘Starting now would give us a chance to experience our wonderful seafront by cycling, wheeling, and walking in increased safety and comfort. It is two years since the removal of the sunrise cycleway; we have waited far too long and further delay, when more than £3m funding has been secured, is disappointing, to say the least.’
NTGP is concerned that North Tyneside Council’s inability to deliver the scheme or spend any money on it this financial year may undermine future funding from Active Travel England. Arrangements mean that programmes of delivery will be at risk if swift approval of business cases is not forthcoming, and work start dates are pushed back. Losing grant funding would be disastrous for the borough.
NTGP will continue to ask questions, push for public engagement, and press for immediate action. Please get in touch with us with your views on this, we would like to hear from as many people as possible.