A BAKERY has helped to restore traffic to a route where roadworks have caused chaos for months.

Commuters have been avoiding Darlington's Haughton Road because of tailbacks caused by essential strengthening work on a bridge.

The work has seen a significant drop in trade for shops in Haughton village, so Murrays the Bakers suggested special road signs should be displayed on main routes around the town.

Now drivers coming from all areas are informed that the road is open, with shopkeepers looking forward to business as usual.

Darlington Borough Council was happy to oblige.

John Murray, the Darlington bakery's managing director, said: "I am delighted Darlington council responded so positively to my suggestion - it shows they are prepared to support local businesses in a constructive way ."