WHATEVER the eventual outcome of the changes to Darlington ring-road – and I have many doubts – the implementation of the roadworks has been dreadful so far.

The blocked lanes change from one day to the next (understandable) but there has been very poor traffic management to guide the unwary driver – a cone every five yards marking lane changes when these cones are set against a background of dozens of other cones and orange barriers is just no good.

Any competent traffic management plan would have the lanes marked by side-by-side cones, leaving the driver to look out for just the ramps, potholes and bewildered pedestrians, rather than finding his route through the battlefield.

Bob Jones, Darlington

STOCKTON council cabinet member Mike Smith must be working in a different Stockton to the one my wife and I visit every week (Echo, Sept 25).

Over two years of noise, dust and disruption, which is still ongoing, has caused the number of shoppers to dwindle. What use are extra parking spaces when the number of shops have diminished?

Mr Smith should start at Debenhams and walk down Wellington Square – it would be easier to count the shops that are open than the ones that are closed.

I suggest he speaks to the traders who are trying to remain in business and they will explain that the high rates imposed on them are having a devastating effect.

It is not rocket science: more shops open means more custom, and lower rates will encourage more tradespeople to the town. How long is it since the restaurant in the shopping centre closed? Stockton is becoming a town of charity shops, but on the bright side there is now an electric car charger in Bishop Street East. That will bring the crowds back!

Taff Davies, Fishburn