TOWN councillors are calling on Durham County Council to back their 30-year fight for traffic lights on a busy road.

Drivers using Binchester Lane Ends to travel towards Bishop Auckland or Spennymoor have long complained about dangerous congestion during rush hour.

Councillor Bill Waters, leader of Spennymoor Town Council, is urging the county council to install traffic lights in its next round of roadworks for the area.

The problem is at a T-junction where the secondary road from Newfield, Byers Green and Binchester, meets the A688 between Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor.

Coun Waters said: "There is a huge volume of traffic using the junction to travel in all directions and sometimes the A688 is so busy it's near impossible to get on to it. Because of the build up, and speed that many cars travel at, it is dangerous.

"Sadly there have already been fatalities and other accidents nearby," he said.

Durham County Council is consulting councillors and residents about plans for improvements throughout the Spennymoor area.

The work, which is expected to start later this year, could include a cycleway across the town.

Councillor Ross Hawkes, the town mayor, said: "Many residents are concerned, some would prefer a roundabout or slip road to turn left towards Spennymoor.

"Whatever it is, something should be done and now seems a good time as plans are drawn up for the rest of the area's road network."

Councillor Ernie Foster, county councillor for Spennymoor, and vice-chairman of the highways committee, said: "I would favour traffic lights, but am confident that council officers will discuss and consider all the options."