SCORES of villagers are demanding measures to stop a massive increase in traffic through Bishopthorpe, York, when the Terry's site is redeveloped.

Residents fear heavy construction traffic will pass through the village en route to the former chocolate factory, where new apartments, offices and hotels are being planned by developers Grantside.

They also fear extra traffic from people living and working on the Terry's site after the works have been completed.

John Galvin.local Conservative candidate at next week's council elections, said he had collected 150 signatures on a petition calling for steps to protect the village from construction traffic.

Residents also wanted a new link road between Sim Balk Lane and Bishopthorpe Road to cut traffic flow through the village.

"There is very serious concern at the potential for an horrendous increase in traffic through Bishopthorpe, not only during construction work but also after the site has been developed, added to which will no doubt be increased traffic from the new college campus," he said.

"I fear for the safety of residents, especially children who will have to use Church Lane and Sim Balk Lane going to and from the village schools.

"It is vital that these fears are addressed and so far nothing seems to have been suggested by the council to reassure residents that such fears are recognised or are even going to be addressed."

He said if the link road was not built, the council should ensure measures were put in place to prevent traffic accessing or leaving the construction site via Bishopthorpe Road and through the village.

A spokesman for developers Grantside said today it would insist on construction traffic getting to the Terry's site via Tadcaster Road and across Knavesmire, rather than using Bishopthorpe.

Traffic heading to the new offices would be encouraged to approach via Tadcaster Road, as the site would be accessed from Campleshon Road and there would be no vehicle access from Bishopthorpe Road.

The spokesman the developers were working with City of York Council on traffic models to assess the full impact of the development at different locations.