CONSTRUCTION of a slip road to improve an accident blackspot on the A66 has been announced by the Government.

But villagers, who fought a long campaign against the proposals for Sadberge, near Darlington, which ended in a public inquiry, said they were disappointed with the decision and believe it will make the road more dangerous.

Government Office North-East announced at the weekend that approval had been granted for a road linking the A66 to Middleton Lane.

At present, access to the A66 is by two junctions - to the east and west of the village. The area has developed a reputation as an accident blackspot with 13 accidents, including one fatality, recorded on the section of road between 1994 and 1998 - all of which were down to vehicles turning right across the carriageway.

The new slip road would mean drivers no longer had to perform the dangerous manoeuvre.

Peter Moffat, area manager for the Highways Agency, said: "The agency is delighted that this approval has been given. We can now progress this scheme, which will have a positive benefit on road safety on this section of the A66.

"We shall now progress with the detailed design of the junction so that we can start work as quickly as possible."

But some villagers are opposed to the plan and believe changes to the road, which carries more than 28,000 vehicles a day, would dramatically increase the traffic-flow through the village and cause mayhem at peak hours.

The issue went to a public inquiry last year.

Protestor Pamela Hind, whose home will overlook the new junction, said: "We are bitterly disappointed about this. Drivers will use us for a shortcut, which will increase the amount of traffic. It will make it more dangerous than ever.

"We tried to fight these proposals. We did our best, but you can't fight with big boys."