Published at 07:42, Wednesday, 13 February 2013

KNOWN as a serial complainer, I must now praise Northumberland County Council staff for their efforts on Monday, January 21, when the weather and in particular its effects on icy Hallstile Bank, deteriorated quickly as the day progressed.

With pavements untreated, numerous pedestrians were risking the road where there was little tarmac visible.

As usual some motorists ignored the dangers and continued downwards at full line speed, with at least one very near miss!

Agitated residents, together with local councillors, took to the phone and high-speed broadband. The predictable police response was to guarantee turn-out after any incident had occurred!

However, Amanda Cryer from the county council inspected the scene, agreed that a dangerous situation was developing, and organised immediate closure.

Two signs and a few cones restored sanity, and also lowered my blood pressure!

At last local county council officials have acknowledge there is a continuing road safety issue that will not disappear.

Apparently a protocol is to be introduced which will ensure that an officer monitors conditions on the bank at frequent intervals depending on overall forecasts. Excellent!

ROGER HOWELL,

Hexham

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk