CAMPAIGNERS say they are delighted safety measures are to be introduced on a dangerous village road.

A 30mph speed limit and a controlled pedestrian crossing are to be installed in School Aycliffe Lane as part of a plan to build 233 houses on the former Aycliffe Hospital site.

But School Aycliffe villagers say they will continue to press for a traffic island and other safety features to be introduced on the road, which they fear will be made even more dangerous by increased traffic.

The scheme was discussed at a Darlington Borough Council planning meeting yesterday.

Officers had said the application should be granted without the road safety improvements put forward by local people.

They said the current 40mph limit was appropriate and a pedestrian crossing and roundabout at the entrance to the site were not needed.

Villager Neil Hannah spoke at the meeting on behalf of 142 people who signed a petition against the scheme.

He said there were no objections to the housing development itself, but said: "We just want it to be safe.

"You could take the risk of accidents, injuries and perhaps deaths on this road. Alternatively, you can insist on one or more of these minor amendments."

Borough council leader John Williams said a 30mph limit and pedestrian crossing should be put in place, but that there needed to be further discussion on the roundabout issue.

He said: "By imposing the two conditions I've proposed, and keeping the issue of the roundabout under review, I think the council has done its duty and taken into account the genuine concerns of the residents."

Council officers said the speed limit could not be made a planning condition, but members' views were clear and would be pursued through proper channels.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Hannah said: "We feel it's a step in the right direction.

"We are very pleased there is going to be a 30mph speed limit and a pedestrian crossing, but we don't feel the issue of the roundabout is clear."

He said he felt that other issues raised, including the provision of a cycleway, had been "brushed under the carpet".