PERMANENT traffic lights are to return to a medieval street – just months after they were removed under a £5.25m modernisation scheme.

Durham County Council took signals out of narrow Saddler Street, in Durham City – opening it to two-way traffic, last Spring.

But the move, part of the Heart of the City project, caused traffic chaos and was branded an accident waiting to happen.

Temporary traffic lights were installed on a trial basis in September, making the street one-way again.

Now traffic chiefs have announced permanent signals will be erected.

A council spokeswoman said it was considering the best position for the lights. No date for their return has been announced.

Roberta Blackman-Woods, Durham’s MP, said: "Everybody thought it was necessary to put traffic lights back in, so I’m really pleased."

Keith Crowther, chairman of Durham City Chamber of Trade and owner of La Cookshop, on nearby Elvet Bridge, said: "I’m delighted that common sense has eventually prevailed. It’s a shame it’s taken so long."

The council’s announcement followed a question put to its cabinet at County Hall, Durham, on Wednesday by Durham resident Janet Murrell, who asked when a permanent traffic order would be made for Durham’s peninsula.

Council leader Simon Henig said he recognised there had been issues ongoing over several months.

"From an early stage it has always been the intention to review these arrangements to see what came out was as safe as it could possibly be. The road up to the Cathedral (Saddler Street) wasn’t built for traffic.

"We have to put the needs of residents alongside the safety of pedestrians and find a way forward," he said.

The Heart of the City project, which saw new flooring, seats and lights installed and the Lord Londonderry statue moved across Durham Market Place, was officially opened last July.

However, work on Elvet Bridge has still not been completed and Dr Blackman-Woods and others are still campaigning for armrests to be added to the new seats, the new bins to be replaced and the levelled road and pavement to be de-lineated.

The MP said the area was ‘safer but still not safe’.