TRADERS have been assured that work outside their stores will stop this weekend - but only temporarily.

Stockton Borough Council took the decision to stop the work after a trader in Norton said it had disrupted sales for a month.

The council is installing bollards along a narrow one-way lane, adjacent to Norton High Street, to prevent drivers parking on the pavement.

Businesses said the bollards would force drivers to park on the road, causing a block.

Karen Tombling, who owns furniture and home store Cameo, is claiming £600 compensation for damage to her shutters.

She said: "The work started directly outside my shop on April 23, and they are still here.

"I'm not getting any custom and there has been a massive drop in sales. How long does it take to put a few bollards in?"

Brian Buckley, the council's highways maintenance manager, said: "We apologise for any inconvenience. We anticipate the first phase will be finished by this weekend, after which we will stop work for two weeks to undertake further consultations."