TRADERS in Yarm were left fuming over Easter.

Businesses were angry that a chunk of the High Street was left fenced off for restoration work on the town's ancient cobbles - so hitting parking spaces for customers.

Some felt the work by Stockton Council was taking far longer than traders were led to believe.

The council said the work had been blighted by problems over sickness and holidays.

Terry Johnson, who owns The Locker Room card and gift shop, was one of those who has been affected.

He received a notice from the council in February saying 30 metres of High Street would be fenced off for work on the cobbles, with the scheme expected to last about eight weeks.

"But they have not worked a full week since," said Mr Johnson. "The amount of fencing has been reduced over the holiday but there is still a lot of parking space lost and no sign of the job being done.

"It is really hitting trade. They have only done a few areas of cobbles and the work is dragging on. It is hellish parking in Yarm anyway and people are getting so they can't be bothered."

Mr Johnson said businesses accept the work had to be done but he felt there should be more men deployed to get the job done more quickly.

He had written to Stockton Council threatening to withhold rates and asking about compensation for lost trade.

"This is inconvenient for us all," he said. "They have not done much in six weeks and still have a huge stretch to do."

At neighbouring business Sandra Rose, the florist, a spokesman said: "They just seemed to stop work for Easter. It is ridiculous."

A spokesman for Stockton Council said: "Work started on the latest phase on February 25 and was due to be completed in about eight weeks.

"The contract has been hit by sickness and holidays, which has meant less time being spent on site."

He said work was due to re-start on Monday and the section concerned should be finished by May 10