CAMPAIGNERS are disappointed that Durham County Council is pressing ahead with plans to remove street lights from stretches of a busy road - despite residents’ safety concerns.

The council is consulting over proposals to remove lighting on the A167 between Newton Aycliffe and the Cock of the North roundabout, near Durham City, to cut carbon emissions and save cash.

Many residents from communities along the road have voiced strong objections to the scheme, with critics in Ferryhill and Chilton claiming the loss of light will endanger the lives of children walking to school and Chilton Skate Park in the winter.

They also fear it will lead to an increase in road accidents.

However, an independent risk assessment concluded the removal of lights would not impact on public safety.

And yesterday (Monday, April 20), councillors received an email stating the council plans to go ahead with the scheme in their area.

It will see 85 lighting columns removed between the Thinford and Rushyford roundabouts, with the exception of residential areas, junctions and traffic signs.

John Reed, the council’s head of technical services, said: “We have completed a thorough consultation with residents, businesses and other stakeholders in the area regarding these proposals and the feedback received has been taken into careful consideration.

“We have confirmed that we are only removing streets lights that are not required by British Standards and where it is safe to do so following a thorough risk assessment. We are not removing any street lights in residential areas, roundabouts, major junctions or where there are proven road safety and crime issues.”

Brian Avery, independent county councillor for Ferryhill, and Paul Gray, Chilton Town Council clerk, both expressed their “extreme disappoint.”

Cllr Avery said: “They have let us have our say but are going ahead and doing what they want anyway.

“I have witnessed numerous accidents on this road and about 30 years ago I helped fight to get the lights installed in the first place as we were concerned about safety then.”

After voting to remove and dim lights in some rural areas last year, Durham County Council has been consulting on the matter over the last few months.

It has already confirmed it will remove lights between Rushyford and Aycliffe Business Park.

However, those between Aycliffe Young People’s Centre and the Gretna Green Hotel will remain in place until investigations into a recent accident conclude.

The consultation north of the Honest Lawyer pub continues.