'Dangerous' A688 connecting Tindale and Bishop Auckland retail parks

Members of the public have expressed their concerns about the A688, which connects the existing Tindale Crescent and the new Bishop Auckland retail parks. 

Currently, there are crossing points next to a roundabout to link the two venues together - but shoppers have noted the 60mph road and the number of cars as factors for wanting more safety measures added.

Bishop Auckland Retail Park (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Under the old road layout, shoppers could safely get to Tindale Crescent shopping park without having to cross the A688 - but with the building of the Bishop Auckland Retail Park, which is still partly under construction, the problems have started. 

Popeye's, Home Bargains, and The Range have all opened their doors in the new retail park - and people are further worried that with more businesses to come, including Superbowl and Reel Cinema, more and more traffic will use the A688.

Amanda Longstaff, who lives in Bishop Auckland, is looking to raise awareness of the unsafe nature of the A688.

As part of the spreading of awareness, the resident witnessed an elderly woman almost in the middle of the A688 after trying to cross over to the new Bishop Auckland retail park - a scene that "frightened" her.

Tindale retail park in Bishop Auckland (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

She said: "There has been quite a heated exchange online about the road. People are concerned that many people won't be able to get across the road, especially older people.

"I'm worried that there will be a serious or fatal crash - especially with more and more businesses opening at the new retail park."

To combat the safety issues, Amanda believes that an underpass, footbridge, or a shuttle bus for older people from Bishop Auckland town centre to the retail park could be all solutions. 

The A688 in Bishop Auckland (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

She added: "Little by little - the big retailers are moving from Bishop Auckland town centre to the retail parks. If you don't have a car, the assumption is that you're missing out.

"A shuttle bus could be set up or some form of bridge - but I don't know what's in the pipeline, or whether it could be possible."

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Following the concerns expressed by residents, Durham County Council has confirmed that it is working with the retail parks and has revealed that safety measures will be introduced. 

Paul Anderson, Durham County Council’s strategic highways manager, said: “We understand the concerns being expressed and are in discussions with the developer of the retail park over progress on a series of highways works it is required to deliver under the conditions of its planning approval.

"These include the creation of a Toucan crossing of the A688 including central refuge island, provision of uncontrolled pedestrian crossing points at the A688/Terrace Hill roundabout and several other measures aimed at allowing pedestrians to cross safely to and from the Tindale site.”