COUNCILLORS look likely to bow to objections from villagers and abandon plans to move a bus stop.

Durham County Council has been considering plans to move the stop, on the eastern side of The Hayricks, Tanfield Village, near Stanley, because of a spate of accidents.

Police are concerned that the stop, together with cars parked on the other side of the road, is obstructing the view of drivers heading west.

The road curves towards The Peacock pub and the limited visibility has led to a number of "damage only" accidents in which parked cars have been hit.

Officials decided to move the bus stop to St Margaret's Drive, but the one on the western side of The Hayricks would stay.

But the plan was opposed by residents and a petition signed by 65 households was sent to county hall objecting to the move.

On Wednesday, the council's highways committee will be recommended not to move the stop.

Instead, a hatched centre line and bus stop box markings will be introduced for a six-month trial period to stop drivers parking at the bus stop. The police will monitor the scheme.

Residents who have objected to moving the bus stop claimed that the proposed site in St Margaret's Drive was unsafe as the road is narrower and has junctions on both sides.

Some are concerned about the danger to children who cross the road from nearby estates.

Director of environment and technical services Chris Tunstall said: "The village lies on the route to Tanfield Lea Industrial Estate and, although it has a 30mph limit, this is often exceeded.

"I consider that some restraint to speeds and some separation of the approaching traffic could be achieved by introducing a hatched centre line marking."

He said that the hatching would encourage drivers to use all the carriageway width available

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