PLANS to make changes to one of the main roads through Darlington will go under public scrutiny this month.

Darlington Borough Council launched a month-long consultation on the £750,000 plans for the A167 Northgate, High Northgate and North Road.

The council wants to ease traffic congestion and improve safety along a mile-long stretch of the road. Measures will include the introduction of bus lanes, closed or restricted access to some streets, new crossings, reduced parking and computer system linking traffic signals..

A council spokesman said "The proposals will help to reduce journey times and provide better facilities for public transport users and safer crossing for pedestrians.

"The consultation will give residents, road users, other people and local businesses an opportunity to comment. We hope to start work before the end of the year. We need as many views as we can get."

Exhibitions will take place at Darlington Town Hall from August 11 to 22, and Morrisons in North Road, from August 11 to 15.

Details are available on the council's web site at www. darlington.gov.uk or write to the council's development and environment department, at Hopetown House, Brinkburn Road, Darlington DL1 6ED.