A referendum could take place in Haltwhistle in a bid to solve traffic and parking problems in the town.

Parking spaces are at a premium along the town’s shopping centre, on Main Street and Westgate, while concerns over speeding motorists persist.

Four years have passed since Haltwhistle town councillor John Clark suggested a one-way traffic system – aimed at slowing traffic down, reducing congestion, and freeing up parking space.

But with no solution on the table the town council could throw the debate open to the public.

At its recent meeting, councillor Annette McGlade said: “It might be useful to have a town referendum on this issue. There could be a meeting where we take a look at a wide range of related matters, including provision for shoppers with wheelchairs and pushchairs, and any other needs that people may have.”

Chairman Alan Sharp said on the subject of a one-way system a proper consultation in the town was needed.

Councillor Michael Ridley thinks they should have acted on Mr Clark’s suggestion to link Main Street and Westgate with the adjacent Avenue St Meen.

He said: “I am behind a one-way system and we have let John Clark down because we have done nothing about it. Does somebody have to be killed on the street before something is done?”

The one-way idea divided 50 members of the public when asked for a show of hands at the annual town meeting last May. It has also divided councillors over the years with reduced speed limit suggestions met with concerns that it would be hard to police.