Residents have had their say on improvement works to a high street road which will see a one-way system introduced.

Norton residents have had mixed opinions on the development after work began to install a one-way system on the high street.

This comes after a section of the road was closed on Tuesday (April 2) as part of wider improvement works to the area – with the road closure remaining in place until April 15.

Work officially began on the project on February 26, with plans to create a northbound one-way system at the southern section of Norton High Street, Stockton, as well as work to extend pedestrianised areas and the public realm.

The Northern Echo: Residents have had their say on improvement works to Norton high street road which will see a

One unhappy resident labelled the development a “complete shambles” and “waste of money,” while others defended the works and believe they will greatly benefit the area.

One resident said: “Complete shambles and waste of money. Just employ a permanent parking warden.”

Another said: “In all honesty, I have been driving this circle for a long time.

“I find it much easier because there is only the roundabout to negotiate and not two sides of the dual carriageway.

“The taxi's will be better controlled and in the place they are most needed.”

Concerns have also been raised by residents who believe the works may result in a loss of trade for shops on the high street.

Another resident said: “Nothing wrong with it, people just don’t like change and like to moan about anything, the shops certainly won’t be losing business over it, just park in Lidl like most people are.

“Once it’s complete, I guarantee no one moans about how nice it looks.”

While another resident said: “Waste of money fix the pot holes. We don’t want another Yarm high street.”

Speaking at the time of the announcement, Councillor Nigel Cooke said: "People want to be a part of Norton and its success but with that comes improvements that need to be made to give everyone the best experience in the town.

"We're following up from the wonderful additions to the duck pond and delivering another positive benefit to Norton for its residents, businesses and visitors.

"These plans are the next step in the journey for futureproofing Norton and ensuring it is fit for purpose for future generations and I am looking forward to seeing the finished result."

Norton High Street can be accessed as normal, via the Norton Road roundabout and South Road.

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Final surfacing works for the project will take place in the summer.

Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: "We are delighted to be bringing our expertise to this project which will play an important role in improving Norton High Street for residents, businesses and visitors.

"Combined with the Stockton Waterfront project that we are also delivering, it is an exciting time as a North East contractor to be involved in the transformation programme underway across the borough."