A CAMPAIGN to improve safety on a busy road in north Durham is gaining momentum.

Concerns have been raised over Durham County Council’s decision last year to remove the lights on the A692 between Consett and The Grove to save money.

Earlier today (Friday July 17) The Grove Community and Residents’ Association met with Pat Glass MP and Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg.

Association secretary John Hinds said: “There has been a public outcry over this issue. The county council must realise this road is not a small backwater track but a main arterial route down past The Grove on Castleside, to the A68 and onto Scotland.

“The council also stated this route was a safe walking route for pupils who will have to walk to the new Consett Academy as there is no school transport.

"The children will have to walk in the pitch black in the winter months.”

Mr Hinds said the campaign had the support of local councillors and a meeting was being held at County Hall in Durham on July 27 to discuss the possibility of introducing reflective bollards.

Pat Glass, north-west Durham MP, said: “It is the most stupid thing to take lights out on that bank. Kids are walking up there all the time to go to KFC and McDonald’s.

"I will support every parent who asks me for a letter to back their request for school transport because that is not a safe route to school. I am really worried about young people in the winter walking around there in the dark.”

The street lights were removed last October as part of the council’s Street Lighting Energy Reduction Project.

Mr Hogg said: “I have had representation from councillors and residents about the danger this poses to pedestrians. We have to make savings because of the cuts, but I have promised to look into it.”

John Reed, Durham County Council’s head of technical services, said the decision was subject to extensive public consultation.

He said: “We are only removing street lights that are not required by British Standards where it is safe to do so.

“A thorough risk assessment has been undertaken by an independent road safety auditor which confirms that it is safe to remove these street lights.

“We are not removing any lights in residential areas, roundabouts, major junctions or where there are proven road safety and crime issues.”