Local residents’ group OneJesmond is delighted to hear that Newcastle city council has decided to scrap its disastrous Jesmond Low Traffic Neighbourhood scheme.

We congratulate the city council on having the political courage to admit at last that this scheme is a damaging failure and to consign it to the dustbin of history. Genuinely listening to local people’s views is a sign of strength, not of weakness.

The bollards and concrete slabs blocking access to vital local facilities have made daily life a struggle for very many residents, especially the most vulnerable and those with young families. Local businesses have suffered. Congestion has massively increased on the major arterial roads edging Jesmond, causing pollution – not cutting it as the LTN was meant to do.

“Jeopardy Junction”, with its split-second right turn from Jesmond Rd into Osborne Rd, has become a source of anxiety and frustration for drivers. And the blocked roads have provoked great worry among residents over the difficulties and potential delays they pose to emergency services.

OneJesmond was formed to voice the frustration and anger of Jesmond residents who were not properly consulted before this disastrous LTN was imposed. We have fought for nearly a year to get the council to see sense. We thank all the local residents who have doggedly supported our campaign.

OneJesmond totally supports the vision of a safer, cleaner, greener Jesmond. With this abortive LTN swept away we urge the council to now properly consult local people on practical, positive steps to encourage walking and cycling and enhance the area we love. We will remain vigilant and engaged, to ensure that this unwanted scheme does not reappear.