Anger over junction work delays

Villagers say they are dismayed after work on a long-awaited project to improve a road was delayed.

In 2003, the government approved plans for the work to the junction on the A66, near Long Newton, where there have been a high number of accidents.

Work on the junction had been due to start later this year but has now been pushed back beyond 2008.

Villagers have written to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling to voice their anger about the delay.

Chairman of Long Newton Parish Council, David Williams said: "This has been going on for 20 years or thereabouts.

Airport traffic

"We have been promised that there will be improvements to the A66 junction.

"We have had start dates and two public inquiries and here we are two decades down the line, 200 casualties and 10 deaths further on and in reality no further forward in getting it built."

Another Long Newton councillor Nora Rosser said a lot of traffic on the road was from people using Durham Tees Valley Airport, who may be unaware how dangerous the road can be.

Mr Williams said he believed the proposed extension of the airport should be delayed until the junction is improved.