Leadgate/Villa Real Bridge
We are extremely concerned to hear that the scheduled work (relocation of all utilities; construction of new road & demolishing the bridge) is now to take more than 12mths with the access via the bridge restricting through traffic into the village expected to take +9mths.
– Cllrs have scheduled a meeting with the relevant DCC Officers to try and resolve the issue
GoNe Bus Service
We are extremely disappointed that since the closure of Villa Real bridge the rerouted bus service particularly the V6(Bradley, Pont Circular) & X71 (Consett-Leadgate-Medomsley-Gateshead link) are using the Werdohl Way/Bradley Shops route, meaning passengers are no longer able to alight in Leadgate, which is having an effect on the various commercial traders in the village.
GoNe have stated that the number of passengers using this service is extremely low and have declined to meet with Cllrs to try and resolve the situation
– Cllrs have held meetings with DCC Passenger Transport Officers and will be meeting with the DCC Director asap.
Bradley Open Cast
The Planning Inspector has decided to uphold the appeal by UK Coal and thereby grant their application to Open Cast on the Bradley Site – there is no further right of appeal or judicial review. This is extremely disappointing to all concerned which means that the local communities will be affected by the environmental conditions – noise, dust, traffic etc. during the duration of extraction.
As UK Coal are technically in administration it will be interesting to see how they can resolve their financial difficulties to cover the operational costs and the bond required to cover the full costs of restoration of the site once the coal extraction has been completed.
Regards
Alan
