The latest redesign plans for Gosforth High Street have sparked both support and criticism, as Newcastle City Council seeks to improve the area’s infrastructure. The proposals aim to enhance walking, cycling, and bus facilities along the busy route, which has been a subject of debate for several years. Past changes, including a row of bollards and the introduction of a bus lane, were met with mixed reactions.
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00:00The latest redesign plans for Gosford High Street have sparked both support and criticism as Newcastle City Council seeks to improve the area's infrastructure.
00:09The proposals aim to enhance walking, cycling and bus facilities along the busy route, which has been a subject of debate for several years.
00:16Past changes, including a row of bollards and the introduction of a bus lane, were met with mixed reactions.
00:22The Council's new development plans built upon the permanent bus lanes introduced in September.
00:28Among the key proposals are new northbound bus lanes between Graham Park Road and Elmfield Road, and between the Gosforth Hotel pub and Henry Street.
00:37To improve pedestrian safety, a new signalised puffing cluster will be installed between Roseworth Avenue and Graham Park Road.
00:43The plans also include widening the footway on the west side of the High Street between Ivy Road and Woodbine Road.
00:50The proposals include new cycle infrastructure, such as a cycle lane along Christian Road,
00:55and a segregated two-way cycle track on the Great North Road between Hollywood Avenue and Christian Road.
01:01To address traffic concerns, the Council has proposed closing certain roads to vehicles, including the option to close Moorfield to traffic near its intersection.
01:10The junction of West Avenue and High Street would also be closed to vehicles, with an exemption for cyclists.
01:16These changes are part of a broader effort by the Council to create a more substantial and safer environment,
01:21particularly for pedestrians, cyclists and schoolchildren who frequently travel through the area.
01:27However, not all local representatives are in favour of the proposals.
01:31Gosforth Councillor and Liberal Democrat opposition leader Colin Ferguson has criticised the plans, calling them piecemeal.
01:38He argued that the changes seem to be driven by available funding rather than the actual need of the community.