ROAD improvements to address traffic issues caused by the redevelopment of Grade I listed Acklam Hall are to get underway.

Middlesbrough Council suggested seven options during a four-week public consultation with the occupiers of 431 affected properties, ward councillors, Acklam Community Council, local schools, key transport stakeholders, St Mary’s Parochial Church Council and developer Acklam Hall Ltd.

To date, 163 responses were sent to the council from residents in the affected area around Church Lane, St Mary’s Walk and Hall Drive.

The council said that the general consensus was that doing nothing was not an option and that widening Hall Drive at its junction with Acklam Road to create separate lanes for traffic turning left and right would be welcomed.

However, a significant response to five possible options for Church Lane and St Mary’s Walk, ranging from traffic calming to full closure, did not produce a clear preference. Existing traffic issues were also highlighted by the community.

It has now been agreed that the widening of Hall Drive will go ahead. A further report, analysing the consultation responses in more detail and recommending the approach to be adopted on Church Lane and St Mary’s Walk, will be prepared later in the year.

The council said the £149,000 cost of the scheme will be paid for by money secured through the planning process.

Cllr Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “It’s clear from the large number of responses to this consultation and the views expressed that resolving existing traffic issues is seen as a high priority by local residents.”

The Acklam Hall development will see the building used as a restaurant, conference facility and business hub. The wider site will see a medical village and 56 new houses being built, which led to concerns from residents and local councillors of increased traffic.