Objections from local residents working with Ashington Labour councillor Caroline Ball have resulted in Northumberland County Council having a re-think.

Local people, working with their councillor, expressed their concerns about the proposed underpass at Hospital Crossing in Ashington saying it may attract increased anti-social behaviour.

Labour is pleased the council has noted the strength of feeling about the proposed underpass and is allowing time to look at alternative options.

Northumberland Labour leader Scott Dickinson said: “We are delighted with the work of Councillor Ball and residents who have fought hard to challenge the appropriateness of the underpass.

“I attended a public online meeting with Councillor Ball and felt the passion from her and residents.

“Clearly having a strong local Labour representative is key to have authorities listen and not have people’s concerns disregarded. We welcome the opportunity to work with the council and the planners to look at suitable and safe alternatives.

“We wholeheartedly support the line. We very much want it to be accessible to all and run in harmony with communities and create opportunities, not new issues.”

Cllr Caroline Ball said: “It is the right outcome, I am pleased the residents and I have been listened to and I would like to thank the residents for working with me to achieve this outcome which will hopefully provide a better long term solution to the exciting Line linking with Ashington and providing the opportunities that connection will bring. It’ll be exciting when this issue is resolved to see the Labour project come to fruition.”