FEARS have been raised that a second landslip could be developing just yards from an earlier slip that has caused chaos for commuters on a major County Durham road.

Geo-technical experts examining the scene of the landslide at Low Carlbury, between High Coniscliffe and Piercebridge, near Darlington, have detected that another area about 30 or 40 yards up the road could be weakening.

Work is underway to determine the full extent of the damage of the road and two major water mains running underneath.

Officials at Darlington Borough Council said they cannot estimate how long the repairs will take until a full assessment is carried out.

Councillor David Lyonette, cabinet member for transport at the council, said: “There are some signs that a second landslip could be developing 30 to 40 yards past the present one.

“Tests are going on with that and we will be receiving a geo-technical status report in due course.

“Until we have the full information from the consultants we don’t know the likely cost of the repairs – we have started looking at options.

“In terms of timescale, it’s almost impossible to say until we get the reports.”

A traffic regulation order allows the road to be closed for up to 18 months and, although council staff said it will not take that long, the repair period will be months rather than weeks.

Since the road was closed to traffic and pedestrians on March 19, businesses in the nearby villages have reported a sharp drop in trade as the diversion takes motorists away from the area.

Lesley Howey, owner of Howey's Tearoom, said better signs should be put up telling drivers Gainford was open for business as usual.

She added: “The worst thing is the signposting – we are getting no passing trade now.”

Gainford and Langton Parish Council chairman Linda Britton said: “One of our major concerns has been the impact on business and we have lobbied hard for signage to be changed, as we felt it was confusing.

“We now understand that it will be changed shortly to ensure that commuters know that they can access Gainford and the A67.”

Coun Lyonette said the council was in contact with affected businesses and would be doing what it could to help them resume service as soon as possible.