INQUIRY INTO COAL-ROAD CLOSURE
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AN inquiry was held at Easington last week into Durham County Council's proposal to restrict traffic on two unclassified roads leading to the beach at Blackhall. It was stated that about 1.000 tons of coal was washed up on the beach every week and recovered by traders with their lorries. Mr. T. J. R. Whitfield, for the council, said that the roads were quite
unsuitable for this traffic. Between seven and 80 lorries used the roads each day. It would not be reasonable, he submitted, to expect the council to spend £8.000 on improvements as the roads were little used apart from their employment by the traders.
As reported in The Commercial Motor dated January 29, it has been suggested that the council intend to do the coal recovery themselves.
Mr. J. Harvey Robson, for the North East Sea Coal Traders' Association, said that the remedy was to improve the roads. The traders were paying for them through the Road Fund and as ratepayers. It was stated that about 2.000 people would be thrown out of employment if the restriction were applied.