NEIGHBOURS in Nunthorpe have become embroiled in a row over proposals for a £30m scheme to ease traffic congestion.

Plans for an east Middlesbrough transport corridor have been in existence for more than 30 years.

Now, Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough borough councils have appointed a team of consultants to examine three options.

The possibilities being looked at are:

l Upgrading bus services using existing routes.

l Building a road between Swan's Corner and Longlands Road, and a possible junction with the A174.

l Constructing a road from Swan's Corner to Stainton Way, with a route for buses and vehicles with more than one occupant from Stainton Way to Longlands Road.

More than 200 people crowded into Nunthorpe School on Tuesday night, to give their opinions.

Residents in Rothesay Grove said they would be cut off by the new road.

"A bypass is supposed to bypass houses and go around villages. It is supposed to help us," said Sue Windells.

But David Dodds said: "Anything that will take the traffic away from Guisborough Road has got to be acceptable.

"We will have a fatality on Guisborough Road."

Local councillor Eric Empson said: "We were always going to have at least two factions arguing across the floor, and we can only wait and see what will happen."

John Spruce, project manager for consultant Oscar Faber, said: "The proposals were first made more than 30 years ago, and this is the first time they have been moved on significantly."

A technical review of the options will be presented to the councils by the end of the month, with the consultation review discussed next month.

A proposal will be submitted to the Government by the end of that month.