A CAMPAIGNING councillor has once again raised safety fears concerning a new £150,000 cycleway and footpath on a Yarm estate.

Councillor Andrew Sherris said that at one junction, cyclists were given priority over motorists which could be confusing.

He added that both Yarm Town Council and Levendale Primary School had raised concerns and wanted safety barriers installed.

Cllr Sherris, Conservative, said: “The scheme, on the whole, has been well received. However, my concerns relate to the priority given to cyclists and pedestrians over vehicles as the path crosses Lingfield Road close to a local Primary School.

“This priority is the only one in the area and I am still fearful that we have a potential accident waiting to happen. Following my initial concerns I was told by the council that everything was in order and the scheme had completed a full safety audit.

"However, there are still numerous concerns coming in about this. It would help if we could get the priority changed back and safety barriers installed as the path near the school is on a slope. I am asking that this location be looked at again before the school holidays begin.”

Cllr Mike Smith, Stockton Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: “The Levendale Links cycleway and footway scheme has been developed and funded in partnership with Sustrans.

“We take road safety very seriously. The scheme is built to Department for Transport standards and guidance and is currently going through the final stage of the road safety audits process which takes place post-construction. Clearly, if this results in recommendations being made we will act on them as appropriate.”