IMPROVEMENTS have been proposed to a busy stretch of road in Hartlepool in a bid to promote road safety.

A study was carried out into traffic in an area including the A689, from Truro Drive to Brierton Lane; Catcote Road, from Truro Drive to Brierton Lane and the area in between.

Two phases of consultation were undertaken with local people. The first was to establish what the problems were and the second was to gather comments.

Consultation was also undertaken with emergency services, bus companies, schools and officers from Hartlepool Borough Council.

Members of the council's South Neighbourhood Consultative Forum meet tomorrow to discuss the study. A report to the meeting said: "The main priorities are obviously the A689 and Catcote Road, followed by the main link roads in between the two. This year's budget should allow all works to be carried out on the A689 and Catcote Road, along with the majority of the proposals from the other roads listed."

The proposals include: Installing a puffin crossing on the A689 just north of Rossmere Way, installing anti-skid surfacing on approaches to traffic signals on the A689 at Truro Drive due to the number of accidents and painting "slow" markings on Catcote Road.

There are also plans to widen the junctions of Brierton Lane, Owton Manor Lane and Torquay Avenue with Catcote Road.