Rushmere Road cycle lanes works delayed in Northampton due to 'difficulties'

A contentious plan to create a segregated cycle lane on a Northampton road has been delayed after work started last week.

An argument between residents and the county council over the works to Rushmere Road has been ongoing for over six months.

It began with the installation of a series of orange traffic wands that were met with anger by residents. A subsequent consultation has opted to replace the wands, but this has also not been accepted by neighbours.

Work began last week to remove the traffic wands and replace them with black and white 'orcas' to create a separated cycle lane.

However, it is now understood the work has been delayed because of "owing to the difficulties obtaining the wands and orcas to be used".It comes after crews arrived to remove the wands on February 22 - meaning the road now looks like it always did before works started.

Cabinet member for Highways Jason Smithers said in February: “We have carefully considered the views of local residents and the need to provide protection for cyclists in designing the new scheme. The route will be monitored over a 12-month period to help gauge its success. This will include assessing its popularity and safety for cyclists and other users.”