TRAFFIC is growing more chaotic in a County Durham town where an unsafe building has forced the closure of one of its busiest roadways.

For more than six weeks, a section of Peterlee's Bede Way - which leads to the town's bus station and Castle Dene shopping centre - has been closed to motorists and pedestrians.

The closure was ordered when Easington District Council and Highways inspectors ruled that the six-storey Ridemount House, which stands on the corner of Beverley Way and Bede Way was unsafe.

Amid fears that falling masonry could injure passers-by, or damage passing vehicles, the main route into the town was cordoned off and a diversion introduced.

Residents and motorists say they are mystified by the lack of work at the suspect section of the building.

At Peterlee Town Council, leader Bill Jeffrey said members of his authority were becoming increasingly concerned over the length of time it was taking to resolve the situation.

And as the commercial heart of the town approached its busiest time of the year, he said: "We have taken our concerns to Durham County Council.''

Councillor Jeffrey said his authority had been assured that structural engineers were examining the building to assess the problem and what work is needed.

Access to the building, which houses the town's Jobcentre, is still open to the public.

But a shop owner, who did not want to be named, spoke of the mounting concern in the town: "People's patience is running out.

"We obviously don't want to see anyone hurt, but for weeks nothing appears to be happening to resolve the danger and the traffic chaos is worsening daily.''

At Durham County Council, a spokesman said: "Our main concern is for the safety of the public, so until this building is made structurally secure, the road will remain closed.''

There was a glimmer of hope for fed-up Peterlee residents from Easington District Council.

A spokeswoman said that, while the matter was now in the hands of the building's owners: "They have informed us that the road closure should not last for much longer, as they are hoping to place safety precautions around the building.''