NEW double yellow lines to ease congestion have been labelled “laughable” by residents after workmen didn’t complete the job.
The new lines at the Sills, in Startforth, are designed to stop motorists parking close to the County Bridge. However, when workers carried out the painting last month they left gaps where cars were parked. And at the time of going to press, they haven’t returned to finish the job weeks later. The issue was raised at the last parish council meeting on Wednesday, November 20, by clerk Judith Mashiter who reported that a resident had complained.
Another Startforth resident Claire Dunnill said: “It’s comical really that they’re so bad. It’s no surprise though as most things with the council are half-a-job.”
Dave Wafer, Durham County Council’s strategic traffic manager, said: “The double yellow lines have been introduced in a bid to ease traffic congestion coming off the County Bridge and are already proving effective.
“We did notify residents in advance of the work being carried out but, unfortunately, when our contractor arrived on site there were two cars parked on the roadside and we were unable to locate their owners. As is normal practice in such situations, the work went ahead at the planned time but our contractor will need to return to complete it. This will be done when they are already in the area, in order to minimise any additional costs.”
