A STRETCH of road that is barely 250 metres long has got the residents of Ingleby Barwick up in arms.

The village is split into two definitive groups, those who want the disputed section of Lowfields Avenue re-opened and those who are desperate to keep it closed.

About 120 residents packed a public meeting to discuss Stockton Borough Council's proposal to re-open the restricted length of road to ease traffic congestion.

In September last year, the council closed the road to cut traffic levels near two primary schools and prevent through traffic in the village.

Furious residents opposed to the reopening of Lowfields Avenue had packed the ward surgery held last month by Ingleby Barwick Independent Society councillors to voice their concerns.

As a result, a public meeting was called so the two opposing groups of residents - IAG (Ingleby Action Group) is against the closure while RAG (Residents Action Group) is campaigning to keep the road closed - were given the opportunity to voice their opinions to the council's road chiefs at All Saints School.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor David Harrington, who sat on the panel, said the RAG campaigners far outweighed the opposing camp.

He said: "It was quite an interesting meeting, but there were many more residents in favour of keeping the road closed. It has become such an emotive issue for many people in Ingleby Barwick, but the majority of speakers and questions came from the ones wanting to keep the road closed."

An IAG spokesperson said: "The petition contains 3,000 signatures from residents who want Lowfields Avenue re-opened. We hope the council will take notice as part of the consultation."

The stretch of road was temporarily linked to the Queen Elizabeth Way bypass in 2002 to give motorists an additional route to and from Ingleby Barwick, until Myton Way - the eventual through route - was completed.

Councillor Ross Patterson, chairman of the meeting, said: "We strongly believe in consultation with our community to ensure the best option is recommended to the council."

The results of the consultation process are to be discussed at a Stockton council cabinet meeting on January 5, when a decision is expected to be made on the future status of the road.