AS is traditional in Darlington on the approaches to the festive season, the annual archaeological digs are timed to start up on the approach roads to the town centre. Ever eager to improve Christmas trade for the towns shops, the towns road engineers feel that a little delay is necessary to heighten the shoppers anticipation of actually getting there.

So it begins this year with Yarm Road.

I have lost track of the number of times it has been dug up recently.

Past efforts have reduced driving over its much patched surface akin to driving over a ploughed field.

Potential customers of Darlingtons shops must eagerly look forward to the inevitable work commencing on North Road, Woodland Road and Whessoe Road to add to the fun.

Chris Greenwell,

Darlington.