WORK to restore a vital link to two schools which was blocked by a landslide will start today.

The work to restore Rosecroft Lane, in Loftus, will make access easier to Rosecroft Secondary School and St Joseph's RC Primary School.

The road was one of a number of routes in east Cleveland which suffered from subsidence after heavy rainfall recently.

Engineers will be working throughout the half-term holiday to stabilise the road and letters have been sent to residents to inform them of the work. There is expected to be some noise and vibrations caused by the placing and driving of steel piling into the road.

Loftus councillor David Walsh said: "The road is a vital link for schoolchildren and their families.

"We need to be sure that the road is fully restored to a safe condition and that it will be a job that lasts.

"The work may be noisy but this is a price worth paying."

Following the initial week of work there will be repairs to fences and footpaths. Temporary traffic lights will be used in the area.

Councillor Eric Jackson said: "This news will be welcomed by residents living in houses near the school.

"Immediately after the landslip, they found that they had to make a long diversion around Liverton village to get to Loftus town centre.

"This work will mean that their link with the town will now be secure."

Traffic will be diverted while the work is carried out.