A MAIN road through a large housing estate has been made a priority gritting route.

Carr House Drive, in Newton Hall, Durham City, has been reclassified as a Priority 1 gritting route by Durham County Council.

The change came into force on Monday, March 11.

Newton Hall councillor Amanda Hopgood, who has been pushing for the change, said: “The road is used by so many people on the estate and has been an absolute nightmare this year in the snowy conditions.

“I’m really pleased that our pressure has paid off for the benefit of local residents and businesses.”

Mamie Simmons, also a Newton Hall councillor, added: “This is a step in the right direction.

“It will be money well spent. We must keep the local economy moving at times of bad weather.”