RESIDENTS fear children are in danger in a Darlington road that has become a well used route for heavy goods vehicles.

People living in Lodge Street, near Haughton Road, are demanding that action is taken to to stop the road being used by so many heavy lorries.

People said they had contacted Darlington Borough Council on several occasions but no action had been taken.

Lorries are using the road to gain access to Chesnut Street lorry and car park, which is also a popular location for town centre shoppers to park.

Resident Greg Thomas said: "The problem is that there is a sign for a lorry and car park on Haughton Road, facing Russell Street. But when you turn into Russell Street the signs then disappear.

"The problem then is you get 'artics' and other sizes of lorries pulling into Lodge Street looking for this lorry and car park, only to find that it becomes a dead end.

"This is a danger to all residents, their children and their vehicles as the drivers struggle to reverse out. It's the same for people looking to park their cars on the car park on Chesnut Street.

"They find it's a dead end and then just dump their cars on the street for the whole day, so when the residents come home from work there is nowhere for them to park their own cars."

Residents are now calling on the borough council to clear up the traffic confusion.

Mr Thomas said: "What we would like is residents' parking only and for better signs to be erected to keep the residents safe."

Central ward councillor Ray Flowers said a residents' parking scheme is one of many that will be considered by the borough council.

He said: "A scheme in Lodge Street is one of many that the council will consider.

"I will bring the problem of the lorries to the attention of the highways department, it may be possible to get a sign erected."