A TRAFFIC system installed in a village only three weeks ago has been branded a "chaotic farce" by residents.

They say the system of speed bumps, traffic islands and pinch points around Middleton St George has ruined the village.

They are also angry that, despite four years planning, they were not consulted at any stage.

Peter Thurston, who lives in Salisbury Place, near the primary school, said that a new pinch point opposite his drive made reversing onto his property so tight one elderly relative demolished his fence.

He said: "Whilst being in favour of traffic control measures on this very busy road, we had believed that 'sleeping policemen' would be built. It was to our total shock and dismay to find a pinch point constructed right outside our house."

Mr Thurston said that he planned to remove his front garden to improve access to his home for elderly relatives.

Local ward councillor Doris Jones believes the pinch points are creating more danger than the system they replaced.

She said: "With these in place we find that drivers race to be first through the pinch points. As school children also use the pinch points to cross, you can see the danger that this creates."

Parish council vice-chairman Stephen York said the number of signs around the area was causing confusion among drivers.

At a Darlington Borough Council meeting on Thursday night, Coun Jones voiced the concerns to the cabinet.

Councillor Nick Wallis, the borough council's cabinet member for highways and transport, assured Coun Jones that a site visit would be made in the next few weeks.

He said: "I would be delighted to visit the area with Coun Jones and a teacher from Middleton St George Primary School.

"We have had to go back to the drawing board to design a complete scheme. I will look at the consultation personally, and with the school, until I am absolutely satisfied."