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Villagers angered by plans to increase the speed limit on a major A-road say they feel ignored after the changes were signed off "behind their back".
Residents in Dipton, Stanley fear the A692 will become more dangerous after Durham County Council approved changes to speed limits to create 40mph "buffer zones" between 60mph and 30mph zones entering the village.
But the changes mean part of the road will actually see its speed limit go up by ten miles an hour.
The decision was made by a council officer despite 27 formal objections and a petition with 379 signatories against it, prompting an angry reaction from residents.
The council insists the change will "encourage a gradual reduction" in speed and is based on a shown drop in speeding elsewhere in the county where buffer zones have been added.
The road will have a 'buffer zone' of 40mph introduced nearer to the village. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The council's report acknowledged all local members objected to the proposals, but officers recommended objections be set aside.
Village postmistress Karen Oliver said residents felt their views had been disregarded.
She said: "We asked for a consultation period where everybody was able to put in their opinion and the opinions just haven't been taken into account.
"The community want to know why this decision has been made behind their back.
"This village is a renowned hotspot for traffic incidents and injuries - 40mph is going to be like a racetrack.
"The idea of the buffer zone is very much appreciated and accepted by the community but just not in the location that they're now deeming to be appropriate."
Karen Oliver said residents were angry decisions were taken 'behind their back'. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Robert and Jill Brotherstone, who say they may be forced to leave their home if the changes go ahead.
Jill Brotherstone, 63, said: "We've got no view for coming out onto the road. We can't see round the bend.
"Outside our house there's been about seven accidents, always speed-related. There was one car on its roof on the pavement just before it got off.
"If it goes to 40, we're going to upstick and move. It's that serious.
"I think it's terrible. It's absolutely disgusting. They're just not listening."
Jill and Robert Brotherstone said they would sell their house if the speed limit change was implemented. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Her husband Robert, 68, added: "I take my grandkids to school every morning. It's getting frightening.
"I would like to see some justification for it."
Meanwhile Paul Forrest, 56, fears the increase would make it more dangerous for people to cross the road.
He said: "I'm getting on a little bit, but I'm still fast enough. But some of the neighbours are slower than me, and some of the dogs are elderly.
"People will always speed. If they increase [the road] from 30 to 40mph they're going to go above that again, making it more dangerous for us crossing the road."
Paul Forrest. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Blaydon and Consett MP Liz Twist said she'd been told the decision would go before a planninng committee at a meeting with the council's transport team.
She said: "Sadly, this doesn't seem to have happened.
"I am concerned that a decision of this nature has not been discussed with the community of Dipton and I will be raising this issue when I next meet with Durham County Council.
"Residents in Dipton deserve a say on the roads that directly affect them."
Reform UK Cllr Saffron Sims-Brydon, who represents the village on the county council, said: "As a member of the Highways Committee, I thought 400 objections would mean something. They didn’t.
"Raising the limit because drivers ignore 30mph is not safety; it is giving in.
"Dipton deserves better than being ignored. When we have decisions on paths being moved 100m with only one objection it makes me question why 400+ objections weren't taken to committee."
Responding to the criticism, Kieron Moralee, Durham County Council's traffic management section manager, said careful consideration had been given to all objections.
Residents are concerned about speeding. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
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He said: "While we recognise that some residents have concerns about the proposal, the decision was based on evidence gathered through a joint review undertaken with Durham Constabulary, together with national guidance which requires local authorities to review speed limits to ensure they remain appropriate for the character and function of the road.
"By introducing 40mph buffer zones on both approaches to Dipton we can encourage a gradual reduction in vehicle speeds and reinforce the move to the lower speed limit.
"This approach has been adopted in other parts of the county and has been shown to reduce vehicle speeds, helping to improve speed limit compliance and make our roads safer."