A HOME outlined for demolition as part of the controversial redevelopment of a major road has been boarded up.
The council-owned Darlington home on Carmel Road North is set to be razed if Darlington Borough Council approves plans to redevelop the A68 in the nearby Cockerton area.
The previous tenants said they only realised their home would be demolished when it had vanished from an artist’s impression image of the council’s plans.
They have now left the property after relocating to alternative accommodation provided by the council.
Read more: How the A68 Darlington roundabout plans look
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.
Read more: Darlington residents' have their say on A68 roundabout plans
However the council is yet to receive the funding required to carry out the redevelopment.
The scheme is part of a wider package of improvements to the A68 in the urban areas of Darlington, including the current works to create a dedicated cycle lane along Woodland Road, linking Darlington Memorial Hospital with the town centre via Outram Street.
A public consultation on the plans was held in January, where people 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.
Read more: Darlington family’s home set to be demolished in new A68 plans
A Darlington council spokeswoman said: “I can confirm that the property is now vacant. At this stage no funding has been secured for the proposed highways improvement scheme but a suitable alternative property became available and it made sense for the tenants to move when the opportunity arose.
“We have been committed to working with the residents in a positive manner throughout and we wish them well in their new home.”
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