DRIVERS have demanded that a council convert a controversial throughabout into a normal roundabout.

Several readers of The Northern Echo have written letters in the past week to complain about the junction at the end of Darlingtons Eastern Transport Corridor.

The new road opened in August 2008 including a throughabout, or Hamburger-style roundabout.

It incorporated a normal roundabout, but with a road between Haughton Road and the new road to ease traffic flow for the main route. As a result, it must also be controlled by lights.

Last week, the main road was closed off with cones and the lights disabled to ease traffic flow during roadworks nearer the town centre.

Drivers claimed the changes had vastly improved traffic flow and reduced waiting times at the roundabout.

John Hill wrote: "Now that the traffic lights have been switched off because of roadworks further along the road, the traffic flowing freely - magic.

"I hope the people responsible for the roads in Darlington are now convinced that the traffic lights have been a disaster and the time has come to remove them and convert the junction into a proper roundabout."

Karen Howarth wrote: "I live just opposite Darlington College and this week I have noticed that with the traffic lights off the traffic flows freely in all directions."

She called for the lights to be removed and a survey of other motorists to be conducted.

W Browne wrote: "I would never have believed that roadworks in Darlington could be a godsend.

"All traffic was flowing smoothly with absolutely no hold-ups and that was at tea-time - one of the busiest periods of the day."

The roadworks were carried out last week to coincide with the half-term break at Darlington College.

Y Robinson wrote: "The reason for less traffic on Haughton Road last Tuesday was because the schools and college were closed for half-term.

"As a resident of Haughton Road for 53 years I think the new layout is the best thing Darlington Borough Council has ever done."

Earlier this year, Councillor Bill Stenson and businesses in the area asked the council to conduct a traffic survey.

A council spokeswoman said: "The removal of the traffic light signals at the Haughton Road roundabout whilst roadworks took place has prompted much discussion and we have received feedback from residents who would like to see the removal of the lights.

"Managing traffic congestion in Darlington is one of our highest priorities and we are continuing to listen and are seeking to respond to the concerns of those who use the road.

"We are fully aware of the concerns of residents who wish to see changes to the road layout and are exploring a range of future options in response to these whilst balancing the need to ensure the continued safety of pedestrians crossing the road and cyclists."