TRAFFIC SCHEME: Traffic calming measures have resumed in the village, although there is still some dissatisfaction with the layout.

Darlington Borough Council's highways department halted work last month on the gateway scheme while it tried to sort out a legal wrangle with residents.

But one man is still trying to resolve the issue of a planned traffic island he claims is going to block access to his field gates.

Council clerk Gordon Sirrell said complaints by members that yellow rumble strips on the roads were ineffective had been answered by the borough council.

A letter in reply said that the strips were purely to emphasise the accompanying "slow" signs, not intended as a noisy, deterrent for motorists.

PARISH PLAN: Councillor Pat Murray, who has been researching the pros and cons of applying for a £5,000 grant to prepare a village plan, said: "Taking into account the time involved, I don't see any purpose to doing it."

The Countryside Agency makes grants available through the Government's Vital Village scheme to improve the life of residents through reviving shops and pubs, or providing extra facilities for the young and the elderly.

But first a working group of residents would have to carry out a survey of what were the priorities for the future.

Coun Murray said he believed such a plan was more relevent to bigger villages, such as Hurworth.

It was agreed by councillors that no further action would be taken.

The next meeting of the parish council will be on Monday, September 2.