PLANS to upgrade one of the major routes through Darlington have been criticised.

Darlington Borough Council has announced plans to spend £750,000 on improving the A167 -the former Great North Road - through the town. The money will be spent enhancing North Road, Northgate and High Northgate.

The aim is to reduce traffic congestion, as well as providing safer facilities for pedestrians and better facilities for public transport.

But one resident, who lives between Lansdowne Street and Zetland Street, criticised the plans, which include a new bus lane along the front of her house.

"I'm not even sure there is room for a bus lane there. It will go for 200 or 300 yards, but what happens when the traffic merges again?" she said.

"In this area, we have not seen the Town Crier magazine and we have not had any notification about this."

The council said the proposed work will reduce journey times for all users on the busy route.

Exhibitions are also being held in the town hall and Morrison's, in North Road.