THE first stage of work to repair a landslip-hit road link between Darlington and Teesdale will begin this weekend.

The repairs to the A67 at Carlbury, between Piercebridge and High Coniscliffe, near Darlington, will start with a two week closure for preparatory work.

The main work will then begin in May, when the A67 will be closed to traffic for at least ten months to allow the rerouting of two mains water pipes and the repairs to the landslip in the cliff above the River Tees.

The main diversion will be along Staindrop Road but some have raised concerns that the impact on minor roads – in particular Ulnaby Lane and Durham Lane – has not been properly communicated, leading to confusion about whether people will be able to access local businesses.

Ian Dods, of Ulnaby Village Farm Shop, based on Ulnaby Lane, said: “There has been a lot of disruption in the last year from the landslip and also flooding and snow - we lost a lot of customers through it so the last thing we need is something else like this as well.

“We want people to know that the farm shop will be open as usual through all the works and that people will be able to reach us and other businesses throughout the work.”

In response to a request for clarity on the situation, Jonathan Gall, from Darlington Borough Council, said: “Ulnaby Lane will be open through all three phases of works.

“The A67 will be closed between the Ulnaby junction and the B6275 junction during all three phases.

“Durham Lane will be closed throughout works with the exception of access for residents. There will be no way through and it will in effect be a cul-de-sac.

“Access for pedestrians will be maintained at all times where possible.”