COUNCIL chiefs are set to address elderly residents' concerns that their street is too narrow to allow emergency vehicles to reach their homes.

Several proposals to tackle the width of Langholme Drive, off Boroughbridge Road, will be put before councillors on January 15.

Householders recently presented a petition to full council meeting expressing their fears over the issue. It was signed by 95 per cent of residents.

They are worried that police vehicles, ambulances and fire appliances will not be able to get to them at the top of the street when drivers park on either side of the road because of its narrowness.

Residents are also annoyed at the state of sections of pavement which have become hazardous to elderly people in the area.

Acomb councillor David Horton said members of the forthcoming City Strategy committee meeting would consider three main options: They are:

  • Widen the road at both sides and remove the grass verges
  • Widen one side of the street
  • Put down double yellow lines at one side of the street.

Coun Horton said the first option was not particularly realistic as it would cost more than £250,000 to implement.

"We are studying the report and will look at what the recommendations and costs are," he said.

"We have got to be responsible, so I don't think we can afford to remove the verges entirely.

"I think some progress has been made and at least we have had the problem looked at in some detail.

"Hopefully, some good is going to come out of it."

Cyril Bushby, 76, who has lived in the street for 22 years and organised the petition, said they were delighted that the issue was finally being tackled.

"Everyone is quite pleased about it because in response to our campaign," he said.

"Nothing has been done until now. The road has been horrendous over Christmas as cars have been parked on either side of the road. It is also in a hell of a state.

"We hope improvements can be made."

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing said: "I will be voting for the option which is most workable and will help residents with their situation."