Residents living off the stretch of Gypsy Lane, Nunthorpe, controlled by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, are full of praise for the authority, for making a temporary road closure, permanent.

However people living on the section of Gypsy Lane administered by Middlesbrough Borough Council, are with their council's backing, vociferously objecting to the closure.

Ian Smith, chairman of the Gypsy Lane Residents Road Safety Action Group said: "We welcome Redcar and Cleveland Council's decision to make the closure of Gypsy Lane permanent. We realise that while it may not be a popular decision with some people who want to use Gypsy Lane as a short cut, it is one the council should be applauded for as it puts safety before convenience."

He says the lane is used daily by hundreds of schoolchildren from Marton and Nunthorpe to walk to and from school.

Prior to the closure, there were two fatal accidents in Stainton Way, which leads to Gypsy lane, and a fatal accident in the lane itself, said Mr Smith.

"There were also numerous accidents on Gypsy Lane involving overturned vehicles, vehicles hitting pedestrians, including children, and damaging property.

"Since the lane closure there have been no accidents on Gypsy Lane and no recorded accidents on Guisborough Road in Nunthorpe, thus proving that the closure has been highly successful in improving road safety in Nunthorpe."

Councillor Ken Walker, leader of Middlesbrough council has described the neighbouring authority's action as "indefensible" and against the wishes of local people.

Residents in and around the Middlesbrough stretch of the lane signed a 1,560-name petition opposed to the closure.

The pro-closure lobby claims to have collected 1,800 names in favour.