DRIVERS are becoming increasingly concerned about a heavily congested road into Darlington.

More development work is under way at the West Park site in Faverdale, which means rush-hour traffic delays on the A68 West Auckland Road are getting worse.

Drivers fear the traffic will reach standstill after hundreds of houses are completed and Alderman Leach Primary School is relocated on the site.

Darlington borough councillor Barrie Armstrong, who represents the Faverdale ward, said: "The traffic flow is becoming very slow at peak times. There are proposals to put in traffic lights and pedestrian crossings in the area of the new school, which is under way now, and I understand there are also plans for Brinkburn Road.

"From our side, I am particularly concerned about the impact on traffic on West Auckland Road from all the new developments.

"There will be 600-odd houses, a school and a rugby club, and there are plans in process for a Faverdale East business park. There are considerable concerns from many residents about the impact on traffic flows.

"We already have estates on Faverdale West and High Grange and then West Park when it comes. What happens then is critical for this ward. But part of the problem also extends into Cockerton East."

A Darlington borough council spokeswoman said traffic consultants had assessed the impact of the West Park development and identified need for improvements at two roundabouts off the A1.

Developer Bussey and Armstrong had been asked to make a financial contribution to a new junction at Brinkburn Road, which could mean a roundabout or traffic lights. The council had also extended pedestrian paths and cyclepaths on both sides of the road.

She said: "No significant traffic problems are anticipated in connection with West Park or the new Alderman Leach school, but the situation will be closely monitored."