New Year, New Blyth: £70 million town improvements to start in January

The New Year will start with a bang in Blyth as works get underway to improve the town's infrastructure.

Improvements will begin on January 10 as new paving, street furniture, wider pavements and increased on-street parking come to town.

It's all part of Northumberland Council's £70 million Energising Blyth programme.

The five-year plan aims to deliver new jobs and learning opportunities, as well as boosting the green energy revolution in the UK.

Three streets will be affected during development in the New Year; Bowes Street, Church Street and Wanley Street.

On Bowes Street, the road will be upgraded, including improved cycling provision.

The work will formalise a one-way system, west to east, along Bowes Street encouraging safe and sustainable transport in the area.

Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, Cabinet Member for Business, said: “These street improvements are an important first step in delivering our ambitions to reinvigorate Blyth town centre.

“This stage of work will deliver a range of benefits to make this part of town more welcoming and accessible for residents, visitors and businesses.

“I would like to thank local traders and businesses for their support as we deliver the scheme.”

The project is delivered by Northumberland County Council and funded in partnership with the Government's Accelerated Towns Fund, Northumberland County Council, and Blyth Town Council.

Alan Ferguson, Blyth Town Deal Board Chair and Owner of Fergusons Transport, said: “It's fantastic to see the first Energising Blyth development get underway with even bigger things to come over the next few years including culture, leisure, education and innovation projects which will continue to build Blyth’s first-class reputation as the place for clean growth industry.”