ROAD crossing gaps at an accident blackspot will be closed despite local protests.

Nineteen people objected to Darlington Borough Council's plan to close eight crossings on the A68 between Darlington and Heighington.

Residents said the changes would lead to delays in commuting times, and lead to more traffic through Darlington town centre.

At a meeting of the council's cabinet committee, members agreed to press ahead with the changes, which will cost up to £120,000.

Council figures show that eleven people have been injured on the stretch in the last three years.

Deputy leader Bill Dixon told the meeting at the Town Hall: "I have got sympathy for people who will be inconvenienced by delays, but turning across traffic at that junction is simply lethal.

"It is not an accident waiting to happen - it has happened and it will happen again unless we take action."