A long-delayed cycle lane scheme in Stockton is finally going ahead, but concerns have been raised about a major downgrade in ambition and value compared to what was promised when funding was secured in 2021.
Matt Vickers MP - who fought for and secured the funding from the last Conservative government - has welcomed the fact that the scheme is now being delivered, while criticising Stockton Labour Borough Council for years of delay and a significantly reduced outcome.
When the funding was awarded, the Council committed to delivering an improved cycle lane network linking Hartburn, Durham Lane Business Park, Yarm and Eaglescliffe, with potential future connections towards Kirklevington. Instead, residents are now being presented with a far smaller scheme delivered at a similar overall cost.
In preparation for the original plans, mature trees along Durham Lane were felled. Following changes to the project, it is now clear that this tree loss was unnecessary - a permanent environmental cost for a scheme that was never delivered as promised.
Stockton’s Conservative MP Matt Vickers said:
“Having fought for and secured the funding from the last Conservative government back in 2021, I’m pleased to see this cycle lane finally going ahead and the difference it will make to local residents.
However, I am extremely disappointed by the sheer scale of the downgrade in ambition. When the council received this funding, they promised an improved cycle lane network, with a fully funded plan to strengthen connections between Hartburn, Durham Lane Business Park, Yarm and Eaglescliffe, and even potential links to Kirklevington.
Instead, after wasting five years, unnecessarily destroying trees and running yet another secret consultation, the council has delivered a massively downgraded scheme that costs the same but offers less than half the value.
This project typifies Stockton’s Labour Council: a failure to consult properly, alongside delays, incompetence, overpaying and chronic under-delivery.”
It is totally unacceptable that infrastructure projects are not delivered on time – and they must offer genuine value for money and be shaped through open and transparent consultation.
The local MP has pledged to continue to hold Stockton’s Labour Council to account to deliver better value for money for residents.
