Furious homeowners have blasted council chiefs for painting their driveways in red, a move locals claim has made their neighbourhood a toy town’.
The scheme was created as part of plans for improving cycle facilities in Acklam and Middlesbrough. It also alerts bikers who use the widened pavement to cycle to driveways.
However, there has been a lot of controversy among the people living on the roads. There are concerns about safety and aesthetics.

Furious homeowners have blasted council chiefs after they painted their driveways red, a move locals claim has transformed their neighbourhood into a “toy town”.

This scheme was created to improve bicycle facilities in Acklam, Middlesbrough and to alert bikers to driveways.
Gerry and Tony Butterfield, both 76, told Teeside Live: ‘It’s a sledgehammer to crack a nut, putting huge slabs of bright red. Because there are houses there, cyclists will know that there are drives coming out.
“It’s gone tarmac city, toy town. The grass verges have gone and the road has lost its character. It used to have a personality of its own, but it’s gone now.
The couple also suggested that it be painted green to make the scheme more appealing.
Frances Jackson (83), added that she thinks it’s dangerous for the bike track in this area. You can easily get knocked down when you go out. It’s a mess and an eyesore.
This frustration was exacerbated when neighbors claimed they have only seen cyclists use the route a few times.
Part of their frustration is that they don’t believe the cycle path has been used.
Despite the anger of many, one local claimed it was necessary to take precautions now that the route is a designated cycleway. He also applauded the town for removing the untidy grass verges.
A spokesperson for Middlesbrough council stated that the surfacing is intended to highlight “potential conflict locations along the cycle route”.
They are to be located farther away from the drive entrances that the footway, according to the local authority, to allow people moving at a greater speed to see better.
For further information, the council was contacted.