TREES are to be trimmed back to give motorists a better view of oncoming traffic on the Sills in Startforth.
County highways officials have also pledged to come up with ideas for longer term solutions to traffic safety fears following a meeting to address concerns on the B6277 through the village.
Members of Startforth Parish Council, county councillor Richard Bell and several residents met highways officers earlier this month to explore possible measures to improve safety for both pedestrians and motorists.
Campaigners said the pavement is too narrow, at less than a metre wide at its narrowest point where there are blind bends in each direction.
The issue was first highlighted two years ago when proposals for the A66 upgrade were announced.
Campaigners say if the National Highways’ preferred route for dualling the A66 between Cross Lanes and Rokeby goes ahead there will be a large increase in traffic travelling on the Sills.
The matter was discussed by members of the parish council at their latest meeting.
Chairwoman Cllr Liz Franklin said: “The one thing they said they would do would be to trim the trees at the bottom of Gill Lane so there is a better view for motorists. We got that meeting to take place and now await the report.”
The parish council initially requested an on-site meeting with officers three months ago, but only after enlisting the help of Cllr Bell to “get an officer” did it go ahead.
Clerk Judith Mashiter said the report would not be sent directly to the parish council, despite initiating the meeting. She added Cllr Bell would receive it and would ask for it to be forwarded.
Parish maintenance officer Michael Thompson, who attended the meeting, told councillors he had received a phone call from the head of maintenance at Durham County Council.
He added: “I’d made a complaint about the Sills wall. It was about the time I got clipped by the wagon [on the Sills], so I was upset about that.
“As you come over the bridge and turn left the wall is leaning against the lamp post. I was upset and a bit shook up by nearly been hit.”
