Residents have had their say after-improvement works to a North East high street will see a stretch of road closed until the end of the month.

Residents in Norton, Stockton have been left split on the development after work began to install a one-way system on the high street.

Improvement works initially saw the road at the southern section of the high street closed from April 2 to April 15, but Stockton Borough Council confirmed the closure had been extended until April 29.

The council said the road will remain closed while ongoing drainage work, included in the improvement plans, continues.

Residents have voiced their support for the works which they believe will improve the town, while others have called the project a “complete waste of money.”

One resident, who backed the project, said: “They are trying to improve Norton and at the end of the works it'll be a lot better! Rome wasn't built in a day!

While another resident said: “It’s happening and has been ongoing for a few weeks now; so why do people keep putting posts up asking what people think again and again?

“Yes, it’s disruptive to some and we have to work around it all for now, and it looks a bit of an eyesore at the moment, but maybe when it’s done it will actually all be ok.”

Another resident criticised the effect the development has had on Norton.

They said: “It's worse now than it was before, taxis parked wherever they want, blocking roads waiting for their next fare.

“It's chaos and I very much doubt it will improve after it's all done. They didn't follow the rules before and I doubt they will when it’s finished.”

While another resident said: “After yesterday's lovely meal in the village ruined by the stinky drains, it needs to be sorted as soon as possible.”

Work officially began on the project on February 26, with plans to create a northbound one-way system at the southern section of Norton High Street, Stockton, as well as work to extend pedestrianised areas and the public realm.

The high street can still be accessed by the Norton Road roundabout and South Road.

A council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, as part of ongoing drainage work included in the improvements to Norton, part of the road on the High Street will need to remain closed until Monday 29 April.

“The closure takes place at the southern end of the High Street, between Canteen & Cocktails to the new junction.

“Norton High Street can be accessed as normal, via the Norton Road roundabout and South Road.

“Pedestrian access to all parts of the High Street remains and all businesses on the High Street remain open as usual.

“We apologise for any inconvenience the delay in reopening the road has caused.”

Final surfacing works for the project will take place in the summer.

The council have said the works will see high-quality, safe and accessible public spaces added to the area.