COUNCILLORS are trying to keep money for the people of Stockton which the Government might claim back after an underspend on a road improvement scheme.

Stockton Borough Council secured £3.3m from the Government for part of a scheme to ease congestion on the A174 in Thornaby, but it is now expected to be completed for just £3m.

Now the council is asking for permission to keep the money and spend it on a separate scheme to dual Myton Way at Ingleby Barwick.

If agreed, the council plans to upgrade noise reduction measures along Myton Way when the work gets under way this summer.

Stockton council leader, Councillor Bob Cook said: “I’m delighted that the A174 scheme is reporting such a significant under spend, which is testament to our highways engineers and our successful management of the risks associated with the scheme.

“But rather than return the money to Government, we have suggested that the Department for Transport should allow us to retain it so that we can enhance the Myton Way scheme, which is one of a number of major improvements we are planning to make to the highways network in the south of the borough over the next two years.

“We are proposing to use the money to offer residents greater protection from traffic noise by upgrading the planned earth mound to a noise reducing fence that runs along the full length of the scheme, complemented by other environmental improvements.

“I am meeting the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin and I am hoping for good news.”