HIGHWAYS chiefs are being urged to carry out a safety review of a key junction which links Haltwhistle with the A69.

Members of Haltwhistle Town Council say the slip road at the west end junction, opposite the cricket field, is too short, forcing motorists to slow down and even stop before they’ve left the busy trunk road.

In contrast, town councillors are happy with the A69 junction at the east end of the town, and are now calling on Highways England to make them both the same.

Speaking at the town council meeting this month, Coun. Michael Ridley said: “In my view the junction at the east end, at Town Foot, is fine, but they need to give some attention to the one at the cricket field.

“As a driver, it makes you stop because the slip road is not very long and can’t accommodate many cars.”

Coun. Kevin Little said: “We should write to Highways England and ask them to make both of those junctions the same.

“The confusion at the moment is no good. The slip road has to be big enough to get those cars off the A69 as soon as possible.”

Coun. John Clark argued that the west end junction was enough of a safety concern to warrant immediate attention.

He said: “There is a much higher accident record at the junction near the cricket field, than the one at Town Foot.

“It’s not unusual to find people overtaking there and I think it’s an issue that needs to be addressed.”

Chairing the meeting, Coun. Alan Sharp said: “We should contact Highways England and ask them to make changes so the queuing traffic can get off the A69 quicker.”

Highways England is currently carrying out a feasibility study of the A69, looking at areas where concerns have been raised, including the junctions at Haydon Bridge.

A spokesman for Highways England said: “We are working with local councillors to address their concerns at the Haltwistle junction of the A69.

“We have agreed to alter some of the white lines in this area when we next do some resurfacing work which should help with the flow of traffic.”

joseph.tulip@hexham-courant.co.uk