A hole lot of waiting for Newton road to be fixed
Last updated at 15:56, Wednesday, 01 February 2012
AN MP has demanded urgent action after a gaping hole has caused a village road to be closed for almost two years.
The hole over old mine workings on a narrow section of Newton Cross Road was first reported in November 2009.
The road was shut by Cumbria County Council in April 2010 with barriers and warning bollards placed either side.
Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock said no tangible progress had been made and has raised the issue with council chiefs after speaking to residents on a visit to Newton.
Mr Woodcock said: “I appreciate this is not an easy problem to solve because the hole leads to old mine workings that are hundreds of feet deep.
“But almost two years later, the thoroughfare remains closed and residents of Newton and Woodbine are wondering how long it is going to take before something is done.
“I have been informed consultants had been engaged to carry out ground studies of the affected area, but that will be of scant consolation to villagers whose blocked-off road is preparing for its second birthday.”
The blockage means Woodbine residents must make a detour, along a busier route, to get to Newton.
And villagers have expressed concerns about potential issues for emergency services and access to Newton School.
Mr Woodcock has written to Cumbria County Council leader, Councillor Eddie Martin, asking for a comprehensive and urgent update, and said: “The council needs to come clean on its plans and allay fears that the road could be permanently closed.”
Doreen Morrow, chairwoman of the Newton Community Association and Woodbine resident, said she understood the road could be closed indefinitely in October if the problem was not tackled soon.
She said: “I think they’ve forgotten we have a right to two access points, like everybody else, for emergency vehicles.
“We want to see an end in sight and a date when it’s going to be repaired.”
Cumbria County Council was unavailable for comment when the Evening Mail went to press.
First published at 13:06, Wednesday, 01 February 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
All Mr Woodcock cares about is Barrow,doesn't give a damn about Dalton.
Have your say
My wife and are I are getting fed up waiting for this road to reopen.
The poor Villagers are at there wits end as to when it will reopen.We have walked this route for over 45 years and are getting fed up waiting.
Can you please tell us approx when it will reopenWith respect,
Roger Wyborn
1 Tantabank
Dalton-in-Furness...Cumbria
Posted by Roger Wyborn on 19 April 2012 at 14:39