VILLAGERS are divided over plans to build a link road - many fearing they could lose their bus service if efforts to de-rail the scheme succeed.

The proposals to join Elton and Long Newton, near Stockton, with a new highway have already split both sets of residents and the parish council.

Some have safety concerns and say the development, as part of plans to upgrade the A66, would more than double the amount of traffic, making it dangerous for their children. But yesterday, a group of villagers said that their bus service would be cut off without the new road because there would no access to the A66.

They rejected suggestions that elderly and young people could walk an extra half a mile to a bus stop on the edge of the village with access to the A66. They also insisted that road safety fears were being exaggerated.

"If we did not have a bus service I would not be able to get out of the house until I could get a lift somewhere," said Edna Chadfield, 79, who has lived in Elton for 56 years.

"We all depend on the bus service and I do not know what I would do without it."

Elton Parish Council's vice- chairwoman Sheila Gray said the village needed the link road to provide easy access to shops and services in neighbouring villages.

"Most of the people opposed to the plan have cars, so it is okay for them, but we have to think about everyone in the village," she said.

Last week, a group of residents set up Elton Village No Link Road Action Group to examine alternatives to the link, while maintaining their support for improved A66 safety.

Elton Parish Council chairman Malcolm Simpson said that he while he wanted to keep the bus service to Stockton, he feared the new road would encourage drivers to speed through the village.

"If we could have a link road that was for buses only then that would solve the problem, but I have been told that would not be possible," he said.

A public inquiry into the project will be held on Tuesday, July 1 at the Swallow Hotel, John Walker Square, Stockton.