RESIDENTS' opinions are divided over plans to build new roundabouts on the A68 in Darlington
Dozens of people turned out to view the plans and speak to council officers in person at Cockerton Club.
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 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.
However, a family home of 49 years on Carmel Road North is set to be demolished if the plans are approved.
Read more: Consultation open for new roundabouts on the A68 in Darlington
People who The Northern Echo spoke to after viewing the council's plans described them as a "dog's dinner", "stupid" and "crazy" however others backed the idea and said it would help ease traffic in the area.
Mandy Young, 59, was scathing in her examination of the plans at Cockerton Club.
It's a complete and utter dog's dinner. Nobody is taking the whole of Darlington and its traffic management suitability their just doing little bits.
Mrs Young said she understand the need for a new cycleway but "making a roundabout bigger is not going to slow the bottleneck".
"I would prefer the money to be spent on an integrated transport for the town," she added.
"We need to put the money where we get the most benefit and I don't see it from what I have seen today.
"It is ill thought out and there is no integration in a proper cohesive transport policy."
Bryan and Jayne Smith live opposite the site of the proposed new roundabout on Carmel Road North and are two of many residents who oppose the plans.
"I don't see the point in it to be honest," Bryan said. "I don't see the benefit in it. The money could be spent elsewhere.
"Someone's house is going to be knocked down, they have lived there for 40 years."
The couple have lived in the house for 20 years and say roadworks will increase traffic, noise and pollution in the area.
Jayne added: "The problem is West Auckland Road. People expect to wait a bit in the traffic."
Read more: Darlington family’s home set to be demolished in new A68 plans
The couple say they leant their support to Darlington's Conservative MP Peter Gibson for the first time in 2019, but won't be supporting him again due to his support of the scheme.
"We won't be voting for him again," said Bryan. "He said it is to help all the traffic from West Park, but it's for the development on the greenfield site.
"We thought he was going to fight our corner but he is not remotely interested."
The couple said they have united with other residents in the area to oppose the plans and are holding meetings to discuss their campaign.
Jayne said: "I think it's a done deal and they're telling us it's at early stages.
"I think it's disgusting and it's too far down the line and I don't think they will change their minds on it."
When pressed on the couple's opinion on the cycle path, Bryan responded: "What's the point?"
But Mike Redmond, 69, who lives on Woodland Road, said he and his wife Sue first found out about the plans at the weekend yet backed the council's views on how to revamp the area.
"It has a significant impact on the road we live on and we thought we should have a look," he said.
"I think it looks really good. We don't object. It looks sensible, to be honest."
However Mr Redmond recommended the council also consider drawing up plans to manage the traffic issues on West Auckland Road.
"All the way up there we're in a bump to bump queue. They're queuing back to our gate at peak times. They could do with putting yellow boxes in at the turning points.
One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, but said she lives in Branksome was unconvinced and expressed her concerns over the affect the new plans will have aesthetically on Cockerton.
"I really can't see what the difference is going to be," she said.
"They're presuming it's going to be two years and £5m but I don't see how it's going to clear the traffic. To take the greenery and the trees away and the village feel I don't think it's necessary."
Ray Hepworth said the Carmel Road North roundabout redevelopment proved more important due to the large housing development being built nearby. But he said the plans for the Cockerton roundabouts was not needed and any redevelopment work should be sympathetic to the surrounding landscape.
He said: "The development at Carmel Road roundabout is way more important. That to me will be a priority if they could find a solution for the people in the house.
"I don't see a lot of benefit for this here in Cockerton the biggest problem for me is the narrow lane outside Hays Travel.
"It does seem strange they can spend millions doing this but when we want potholes fixed they get shoved to one side.
One woman, who identified herself as Mrs Devin from near Haughton Road, said she visited the consultation as she felt the plans would have a detrimental impact on the rest of the town.
She said: "We came here thinking 'why is it necessary' and having seen the plans we still feel it's not just the roundabouts it's the congestion."
During our conversation, Mrs Devin looked out to the cars on Woodland Road and said: "we can see the traffic is moving".
Mrs Devin added: "It does concern me a little bit that people are having their house knocked down.
"We want a bit of character in the town. This is too much money to spend when there is other things to be done.
"I don't think it will make much of a difference."
Meanwhile, one man said the council have no care for the local wildlife.
"What a complete waste of time and a lot of crap," said another man.
"But then again Darlington council are up in the air and they don't have a clue. I think that nobody gets listened to.
"They already have the plans. They put them in motion and we are just left to get on with it."
Mowden councillor Pauline Culley said she had received around a dozen emails from residents on the plans and consultation but insisted their views were mixed.
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