CAMPAIGNERS are confident they have succeeded in reducing a planned six week closure of a junction on the busy A66 trans-Pennine route.

Richmondshire district councillor Jamie Cameron said a meeting with the Highways Agency had been positive and the junction at Smallways - between Barnard Castle and Scotch Corner - may only be closed for four days.

However, last night (Thursday, September 3) the Highways Agency was unable to confirm that it had revised its plans although it said cutting the amount of time the road would be closed was an option.

It is expected to make an official announcement later today (Friday, September 4)

The plans currently include resurfacing about four miles of the westbound carriageway between Smallways and Greta Bridge - resulting in the closure of the Smallways junction - as well as repairing some of the signs as part of a two-phase project.

Work is due to start on Monday (September 7) and be completed by Friday October 23 - which would mean the westbound carriageway would be closed to traffic with two-way traffic on the eastbound carriageway.

Diversion routes for side roads affected by the contraflow system are planned to go through Newsham, Barningham, Scotch Corner and west of Bowes.

However, local businesses affected say that a six-week closure would force them to shut down while the alternative routes suggested are too dangerous.

They also say they have been shocked by the news, claiming they only heard about the roadworks on Saturday (August 29) when two pubs were given a notification letter by contractors, Tarmac.

Charles Hall, owner of The Rokeby Inn, just off the Smallways junction, said he took it upon himself to spread the news after receiving the “bombshell” letter.

“I understand work needs doing but not to the detriment of business and people going to work,” he said.

“I was heartbroken when I heard the news because I have been in business 50 years and this has been one of the hardest thing to swallow.”

Mr Hall said officials had agreed to reduce the work from six weeks to two weekends.

Cllr Cameron said: “I think they have been thoroughly sensible and I am very grateful to them for listening to what people have to say.”

A spokesperson for Highways England said: “We have listened to the concerns of businesses and residents close to the A66 resurfacing scheme and are in the process of discussing our options.

“We will contact residents and businesses as soon as a decision has been made.”