TALKS over de-trunking part of the A69 near Carlisle are already underway, it has been revealed.

The matter was discussed at Tuesday’s (July 25) meeting of Cumberland Council at the Civic Centre in Carlisle.

Councillor Roger Dobson (Corby and Hayton, Liberal Democrats) raised road safety concerns that it was unsuitable as the main route into the city particularly around Warwick Bridge.

He had submitted a question which said: “The A69 links Carlisle to Newcastle. It is part of the national strategic highway network and passes through the villages of Corby Hill and Warwick Bridge.

“Here the road layout is unchanged since Warwick Bridge was built for stagecoaches in 1835.

"This narrow road with its sharp bends and narrow pavements is quite unsuitable for today’s high volumes of traffic, especially 44-tonne HGVs.

“Even worse most of the residents live on the north side of the A69 whilst the services are located on the south side including the primary school, medical centre, shops, churches, playing field and community centre.

“There is no safe place to cross save the Corby Hill traffic lights which are at the extreme eastern end of the conurbation.”

Cllr Dobson said despite that the A69 was still a trunk road, and his question was directed at Councillor Denise Rollo (Harrington, Labour) who is the portfolio holder for sustainable, resilient and connected places.

He said: “Will you and your officers bring increased pressure upon National Highways and the Department of Transport to de-trunk the A69 by 2025 so that the lives of our primary school children and other residents are not unnecessarily put at further risk?”

Cllr Rollo said: “You will be pleased to know that the officers and myself are in dialogue with National Highways.”

She said that they received an email in June regarding de-trunking the A69 and it has been suggested that a suitable replacement would be the A689.

Cllr Rollo said the initial stages of the project would involve evidence gathering and National Highways would consult throughout and members would be kept informed of any progress.

Cllr Dobson said changes should be made in the Warwick Bridge area on the grounds of road safety. He added: “I urge them to adopt a number of safety measures until a time when it is de-trunked – 25mph is a much more appropriate speed limit as well as a pedestrian crossing.”