TRAFFIC lights at a busy town centre junction are to be replaced in the New Year.

The junction of Romanby Road with the High Street in Northallerton is being refurbished.

The original traffic signals at the junction were installed in 1979 and were the first in the town.

Work on the lights will start on January 9 and is expected to last for three weeks.

It will be carried out at night in an attempt to reduce disruption.

County councillor Peter Sowray, executive member for environmental services, said: "This scheme will introduce a completely new set of signals.

"The number of poles is being reduced, and some are to be repositioned to create more footway space, and comply with current safety standards.

"Temporary traffic lights will be used occasionally, and some footway diversions may be necessary.

"Unfortunately, some disruption will be unavoidable, particularly during the changeover from the old signals to the new."