WORK will start today on a major road and footpath improvement scheme in Hartlepool.

The 12-week project involves the replacement of the road and pavements along a stretch of Elwick Road between Arncliffe Gardens and York Road.

A new kerb line will also be installed with some concrete bollards in shopping areas to stop vehicles mounting the kerb and damaging the new pavements.

During the work there will be temporary traffic lights and the road is expected to be completely closed for two Sundays during the work.

Paul Mitchinson, Hartlepool Borough Council's highway maintenance team leader, said: "This is programmed maintenance because the fabric of both the footpaths and carriageway is beyond its design life.

"A lot of careful planning has gone into this scheme to try to minimise any disruption, but we would urge people to bear with us and be patient."