A CONGESTED main road into Darlington is bringing complaints from drivers at peak times.

Disgruntled motorists using West Auckland Road to get to and from town are becoming increasingly frustrated by long delays.

The expectation is that those will become worse as hundreds of houses are built at the new West Park development and the relocation of Alderman Leech School takes place.

Coun Barrie Armstrong, who represents the Faverdale Ward, said: "The traffic flow is becoming very slow at peak times .

"There are proposals to put in traffic lights and pedestrian crossings in the area of the new school, which is under way now, and I understand there are also plans for Brinkburn Road.

"From our side I am particularly concerned about the impact on traffic from West Auckland Road from all the new developments.

"There will be 600-odd houses, a school and a rugby club and there are plans in process for a Faverdale East business park.

"There are considerable concerns from many residents about the impact on traffic flows. We already have estates on Faverdale West and High Grange and then West Park when it comes on stream.

"What happens then is critical for this ward, but part of the problem also extends into Cockerton East "

Coun Armstrong added: "The response seems to be that traffic is no worse in Darlington than other parts of the country.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said traffic consultants had carried out an assessment of the impact of the West Park development and identified the need for improvements at two roundabouts coming off the A1.

Developers Bussey and Armstrong had been asked to make a financial contribution to a new junction at Brinkburn Road, which could mean a roundabout or traffic lights.

A Toucan crossing was proposed for cyclists and pedestrians south of Faverdale Industrial Estate while pedestrian paths and cycleways were being extended on both sides of the road.

"No significant traffic problems are anticipated in connection with West Park or the new Alderman Leach School, but the situation will be closely monitored," she said.