A £1M scheme to alleviate flooding could bring major traffic congestion to a North-East town centre.

Northumbrian Water has revealed a massive project that will boost flood defences for long-suffering traders in Darlington.

The sewerage improvements get under way at the end of this month and should boost protection for firms in the Victoria Road area.

About 270 metres of the network will be renewed and a pumping station built on land behind Victoria Road.

But the work could potentially bring chaos to one of the town's key routes - the St Cuthbert's Way ring road.

There will be lane closures on the north and southbound stretches for most of the 26 weeks of the project.

There will also be a road closure at Backhouse Street, although this should only be from the end of next month.

Bosses at Darlington Fire Station, in St Cuthbert's Way, insisted traffic restrictions would not have an impact on emergency calls. In 2002, a break was created in the central reservation, so fire engines and ambulances could turn right - saving precious seconds - and fire chiefs are confident crews will be able to get out as normal.

A spokeswoman for Northumbrian Water said: "Obviously, we do apologise for any inconvenience caused, but this is a scheme that is going to alleviate flooding for five to eight commercial properties in the Victoria Road area."

Preliminary work begins on Monday, September 20, with the project starting in earnest the following Monday.

The Victoria Road area has been struck by flooding several times in recent years.