RESIDENTS have responded to plans to redevelop roundabouts on the A68 in Darlington in a bid to reduce traffic - but dozens are unconvinced by the proposal.
The plans would see the redesign of the existing mini roundabouts on the A68 in Cockerton and at the western end of Woodland Road, as well as the nearby roundabout linking Woodland Road with Carmel Road North and Staindrop Road.
They would be replaced with larger, conventional roundabouts that can handle more traffic.
The aim of the proposals, Darlington Council says, is to improve traffic flow, reduce delays for all travellers, including bus services, and improve walking and cycling routes in the area. Pedestrian crossings in Cockerton will also be redesigned.
Consultation on the proposals for the redevelopment of the three roundabouts is now open and will close on February 11.
But after the proposal was first revealed earlier this week dozens of residents took to social media to condemn the plans.
Read more: Consultation open for new roundabouts on the A68 in Darlington
How the roads would change
Responses from residents included many arguing the redevelopments aren't needed, would be a "waste of time" and advised the council that the money would be better spent elsewhere.
One user responded to say: "So the number of vehicles travelling through Cockerton already creates utter chaos at peak times, especially with idiots blocking the roundabout for those exiting from Cockerton green when the lights are on red.
"Now it's proposed that you dig up and rebuild the entirety of Cockerton centre, just how much traffic chaos is that going to create?
"More importantly, how long would this project take, because the improvements on Woodlands road are not progressing at a reasonable rate."
Read more: Darlington green space is ‘saved’ from development
Another person said: "Can’t see how this will help traffic on West Auckland Rd. Trying to turn right coming out of Willow/Brinkburn Rd and Auckland Oval, in peak time is an absolute nightmare. Guessing turning left on West Auckland Rd is just as bad."
One person said the plans would make "zero difference" to the current traffic issues in the area. They said: "I’ve just looked further into this. It also involves the demolition of the little house on the Woodland Road, Staindrop Road roundabout and a big chunk of the green land opposite.
"Replacing a roundabout with a bigger one with “lovely pink cycle lanes (which no one uses)” will make zero difference. Environmental vandalism of the highest order!"
How the roads would change
Another person also raised the issue of the house set to be demolished as part of the proposal. "Pulling down houses just for a round about is a complete and utter shocking, need to look at the state of the roads," they said.
One person who lives on the doorstep of the planned proposal added: "I live 300 yards from this roundabout and I use it multiple times a day. There’s no issue with it, traffic backs up because the crossing in Cockerton is 40 feet from the roundabout and it backs up. Demolishing a home is a disgrace to build a roundabout."
Some residents offered their opinion on what could be done to improve the area including introducing traffic lights. One user said: "Total waste of money for very little benefit, its the same number of lanes and vehicle users as the mini roundabouts have already so there's no point making the roundabouts bigger for all that huge cost, demolition and disruption, its a total waste!
"Adding traffic lights on the junction of Brinkburn with West Auckland Road would be much more beneficial to traffic flow and would be safer for pedestrians crossing too."
Click here for more information on how to share your views in the consultation
The issue of losing key green space was also highlighted by many residents. One person said: "I’d personally rather not lose yet more green space. That’s a lot of area to be removed in Cockerton.
"The road is loud and busy enough without bringing to closer to pedestrians. Not to mention that green space is used by the community for events. Nothing will fix this road until better links to the A1 can be put in place."
Other responses included: "Nope! I’d genuinely rather sit in the traffic than have a whopping great eyesore of a roundabout taking out chunks of Cockerton!"
"What an utter waste of time & money. Bigger roundabouts won’t solve anything! Spend the money on all the pot holes that need fixing."
"What a mess, no thanks....spend the money where it's needed."
However not everyone opposed the plans. One resident said: "Generally speaking,very much in favour....but not of the house demolition."
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