An emergency road closure has been imposed in Eccleshill after residents complained traffic was making their lives a misery.

People living on Victoria Avenie said their street was increasingly being used as a rat-run by motorists diverted due to roadworks.

Councillor Geoff Reid (Lib Dem, Eccleshill) said the avenue’s ‘Access Only’ rule had been flouted by motorists for many years, but since Northern Gas Networks started work on the gas mains, the flow of traffic had increased five or six times.

He said: “In the first few days residents were amazed to find buses and lorries going down their access only street,” said Coun Reid.

“I told the Highways officers that we just couldn't carry on like this for another three or four weeks and they went for an emergency order which was sealed by the City Solicitor on Tuesday.

“Victoria Avenue is quieter than it has been for a long time.”

Coun Reid added: “We should discuss with residents and Highways ways in which we can get to grips with the long-term problem.”