A TEAM has been praised for carrying out a planned two-week road closure in less than half the time.

It means the stretch of road on the A174 between the junction for Cowbar and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's boundary at Staithes opened at the weekend - a week ahead of schedule.

The eight-man surfacing gang was praised by Councillor Sylvia Szintai, the council's lead member for environment and infrastructure.

She also gave a special vote of thanks to David Whitlock, owner of Cleveland Corrosion Control, Staithes, who repaired, refurbished and re-erected an old cast-iron milestone near the Cowbar junction.

She said: "It was a very praiseworthy achievement by our men to complete the works a week ahead of schedule. I'm sure it pleased road users and residents, too - and they deserve our thanks for their patience during the closure.

"We're also indebted to Mr Whitlock for his work in preserving the old milestone."

Mr Whitlock said: "I was only too happy to do the job. My company has carried out similar work on other milestones this year. It's our contribution to the Queen's Jubilee."