Residents of Seaton Sluice have voiced significant concerns over a proposed £13 million active travel route intended to link Blyth with walking and cycling paths in North Tyneside. The project, led by the county council, aims to create a segregated corridor for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users between Blyth and Old Hartley, incorporating upgraded crossing points and bus stops.
Despite the council’s assurances that the scheme will be well-utilized and popular, opposition remains strong among local residents. A survey conducted by Seaton Sluice residents Stephen and Claire Pegg, with support from other local stakeholders, gathered nearly 600 responses. Of these, 384 expressed varying degrees of opposition, particularly targeting plans to narrow the A193 road.
Stephen Pegg criticized the council’s portrayal of local opinion, stating, “The council said there were one or two dissenting voices. I think there’s only one or two that were OK with it – that’s how bad it is.” The Peggs and other campaigners have distributed leaflets urging residents to respond to the council’s consultation. They argue many villagers were unaware of the official consultation process and feel their concerns have not been adequately addressed.
Among the prominent worries are the potential effects on local traffic and farming operations, with narrow roads posing challenges for large agricultural vehicles such as combine harvesters and tractors. The council’s plan also includes installing around eight speed humps and pedestrian crossings, which residents fear will further disrupt the village’s character. Claire Pegg noted, “The village will look like a chessboard.”
The county council has emphasized its commitment to public engagement throughout the project’s development. A spokesman detailed that initial consultation took place in summer 2025 via online surveys and public events, drawing approximately 300 responses and 150 attendees. Feedback from these sessions informed several design revisions, including changes to parking and road safety measures.
Additional drop-in sessions were held recently, with more planned before the detailed design is finalized. Information leaflets were delivered to roughly 1,700 households along the route, ensuring wider awareness of the scheme. The council confirmed that all resident feedback, including issues relating to laybys, would be carefully considered before moving forward.
At a recent council cabinet meeting, leader Glen Sanderson expressed confidence that the new route would be popular among pedestrians and cyclists. Nonetheless, the considerable local opposition underscores the challenges faced by the council as it seeks to balance community concerns with infrastructure development goals. The Peggs intend to present their findings and views to the council in August, pushing for a fresh consultation process.