A COUNCIL faces paying out hundreds of thousands of pounds in compensation to residents affected by a multi-million pound road.

The Eastern Transport Corridor road opened in Darlington last year, but the project was plagued with problems.

A series of gaffes by Darlington Borough Council officials led to months of delays, and meant the cost went nearly £2m over budget.

Last month, local residents received letters from legal companies across the country urging them to sue the council for compensation for the effect the road has had on the value of their homes.

The Northern Echo understands that the council is to offer some residents one-off payments of £750 or more. It is believed the total bill could amount to £650,000.

One man who lives near Haughton Road said he had been told by his solicitor that he is due £750 plus interest.

He said his main concern was that the road would get busier over the next few years, and added: “The disruption has been minimal so far, but I am sure that will change over time, especially if the road is extended, as many councillors in the town seem to have suggested.

“The road might be a great idea for the economy of the town and ease transport links, but no resident wants a main road outside their window.”

Cyril Johnston, who lives in Goodison Way, on the Red Hall estate, said the council’s management of the road had been terrible.

Mr Johnston, who received compensation after it emerged that the council built the road several metres above ground level, obscuring the views from his house, said: “This shows that the council went ahead without a thought for people who live near the road. Almost everything they did was wrong.

There have been problems at every stage.

“The same mismanagement went on during the Pedestrian Heart project.

Something needs to be put in place to stop this happening again.”

A council spokesman said: “As with all local authorities, during preparation of any major development and as part of good project management, a budget is set aside to make payments to those residents and businesses who experience disruption due to works.

“As a major development project, funds have been allocated to ensure any valid claims in relation to the construction of the Eastern Transport Corridor will be paid in full.”