MOTORISTS enduring rush-hour delays caused by temporary traffic lights will face further headaches from next week when part of a key road is closed.

Essential repairs to the A684 through Morton-on-Swale and Ainderby Steeple, between Northallerton and Bedale, will begin on Monday.

The work, which is necessary because of recent severe winters, means this section of the important cross-country route will be closed for four weeks.

Drivers using the A684 have already complained about the temporary traffic lights in Leeming Bar, further along the same road.

The traffic lights, installed last month, have been put in place by contractors working on the A1 upgrade.

Drivers have reported delays of up to an hour at busy times, with traffic sometimes backing up for more than two miles in both directions.

The lights are due to be in place for another two to three months.

At a meeting on Wednesday, Aiskew and Leeming Bar parish council agreed that the situation regarding the temporary traffic lights had improved since they were first installed.

Parish councillor Margaret Tiplady has called on motorists to be patient.

She said: "My greatest concern was that the lorries were having to mount the pavements to get by.

"This was mentioned to the contractor and it is being looked into.

"Apart from during the morning and evening rush hours, it is not that bad.

"I know traffic is building up at these times, but people have just got to bear with it."

Meanwhile, business leaders in Morton-on-Swale say they will be open as usual during the repair works in their village.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire County Council said the works would be carried out in three phases to minimise the impact on residents.

He said: "Each phase is anticipated to last approximately ten days.

"Although the road will be closed to through traffic for safety reasons, access will be permitted for residents and local business owners and their customers via traffic marshals on site."

As well as road resurfacing, upgrade work on drainage systems will also be carried out during the closure.

A signed diversion route will be in place, with traffic directed to the A6136 and the B6271 Scorton to Northallerton road.

For information on school bus route disruption during the closure, call the operator, Dales & District, on 01677-425203.