Letter – Edward Locker to John McAdam – 19 Jul 1823

Haydon Bridge, 19th July, 1823



	Sir, - Having now accompanied you in the inspection of the New Line of Road, proposed to be made under your direction through this part of the country, it is proper that I should more exactly define the objects which in consultation with the Receivers appear to require your immediate attention.

	It is intended to reform the Turnpike Road from Highwood near Hexham to Aldstone, extending the line to Penrith, and uniting in the same trust the several branches hereafter mentioned. The above trust to be consolidated with that from Burtryford to Burnstones, but not interfering with the trust which extends from Greenhead by Hexham to Heddon on the Wall. The line to Penrith is to commence at the Highwood above-mentioned, passing through Bagraw and Elrington, re-entering the present Line by Langley Mills, and proceed over the Cupola Bank and Whitfield Fell by a New Level, and thence over Clargill by an improved Line from Lowbyer Inn to the Tyne Bridge at Aldstone, where crossing that River it will continue on the of Park Fell to Hartside Cross, and thence descend by an easier level to Melmerby, proceeding by the present road through Longwathby and Edenhall to Penrith. The following are the connecting branches which are intended to form part of the General Trust:-

	1st. From the Highwood to the West Boat, where a Bridge, is to be erected, crossing the South Tyne by Four Stones to the Tower Tye, and thence by Simonburn to Bellingham, where a Bridge is to be erected across the North Tyne, reporting your opinion as to the best Line to be carried from thence to join the Road over Carter Fell.

	2nd. From Clargill along the North Bank of the Nent, crossing that River at Nent Hall, and continuing the present Line from thence to Nenthead, and so to Burtryford.

	3rd. From Aldstone in a New Line by Randleholme along the South Tyne to Burn Stones, stating your opinion as to the most expedient mode of connecting the Road from thence to Brampton to join the Turnpike Road to Carlisle.

	4th. From Langley Mills to Haydon Bridge.

	5th. From Melmerby along the present Line to Appleby, in order to connect itself to the Roads in Westmoreland and Lancashire.

	6th. From Aldstone by a New Line along the Tyne to Garrigill, and thence by Yad Moss towards Middleton and Barnard Castle, reporting your opinion of the expediency of combining this object with the proposed trust.

	I have to request you will furnish me with a preliminary report and estimate of the probable expense of these improvements, in order that the principal parties interested in the measure, may be consulted as to the best means of carrying it into execution. It is my intention to recommend to them, that the whole undertaking be entrusted to you, and that when completed, you may be authorized to provide a principle surveyor, with skilful assistants to be appointed to the permanent management and repair of the roads, throughout the whole district in which these improvements are to be made. I have the honour to be, Sir, your very obedient servant.    

						(signed)		E.H. LOCKER

To: J.L.McAdam, Esq.