Council objects to traffic light bid

A BID to install traffic lights at a busy Barnard Castle junction has been shunned by councillors.

Durham County Council has proposed improvements to the A67 between Bowes and Barnard Castle including three pairs of traffic signals at the Harmire Road junction.

But Barnard Castle Town Council has thrown doubt on its viability, fearing a loss of on-street parking for residents. In a statement to county officers, clerk Michael King said the town council supported the improvement plan but acknowledged a mini-roundabout on the site would be “impractical” and car owners would be

“disproportionately inconvenienced” by parking problems.

He added: “Consequently, Barnard Castle Town Council does not support the installation of traffic lights at the Harmire Road junction.”

Two consultation meetings were held in October at Woodleigh, on Scar Top, to gather views about the £528,000 improvement plan.

Other features of the bid include upgrades to pedestrian islands along the stretch, improved road markings and a 20mph limit in the town centre.

The town council has also asked county officers to consider delivery vehicles and parking in proposals to widen a footway on one side of the Horsemarket pelican crossing.