PROPOSED road improvements are expected to be given approval by councillors next week at the request of residents.

A new crossroads junction and speed humps have been proposed on Fitzwilliam Drive, in the North Road area of Darlington.

Members of Darlington Borough Council's are expected to give approval for the scheme when they meet next week despite the objections of one resident.

In 2006, the council consulted residents in the area about a 20mph zone but the proposal was deferred because there was no clear majority.

There have been a mini-roundabout and traffic calming for several years. Residents and councillors have continued to highlight issues with the roundabout at the junction of Fitzwilliam Drive and Wensleydale Road.

Proposals are to remove the roundabout to replace it with a crossroads junction. There will also be a new pair of bumps on Fitzwilliam Drive, close to its junction with Leyburn Road.

The cost of the work is estimated to be £15,000.

One resident had objected to the works because there are numerous speed devices in Fitzwilliam Drive, there were speed bumps in Campion Road so the new idea was a waste of money and the junction at Leyburn Road would exacerbate traffic queues.

Officers have responded to the letter and said residents were in favour of the works and some of the claims were no reason for objection.

Consultation took place with residents, of which 47 responded. Of those, 57 per cent were in favour of the roundabout being removed and 55 per cent in favour of the bumps.

The cabinet meeting takes place on Tuesday, March 2. It starts at 5pm in the town hall committee rooms and is open to the public.