HOPES that a vital transport lifeline through North Yorkshire could receive a multi-million pound upgrade have been boosted by the Government.

Transport Minister David Jamieson has written to local council chiefs to confirm that the Highways Agency study he ordered into the dualling of the A64 between York and Scarborough will be completed in six months.

Mr Jamieson commissioned the study after a meeting in Scarborough on March 3 with Lawrie Quinn, Labour MP for Scarborough and Whitby, senior officers from North Yorkshire County Council's highways department, the Highways Agency, Ryedale District Council, Scarborough Borough Council, and local business leaders.

He was given a presentation on an economic study into the A64, which demonstrated the need for massive investment in the road as the main link between the Yorkshire coast and the motorway networks of the A1, M62, A19 and M1.

The report said that a case could be made to convert the entire stretch to dual carriageway, which was likely to cost about £200m.

Chris Millns, senior highway officer with North Yorkshire County Council, said John Trebble, chief executive of Scarborough Borough Council, had received a letter from Mr Jamieson confirming that the results of the further studies would be delivered in six months.

"There's still a long way to go, but it is good news. They picked up the findings of a broad-based study that showed there was a case economically that the area would benefit from dualling of the A64. We are pleased as a council," said Mr Millns.

"In transport terms, and in terms of regeneration for the businesses in Scarborough and Ryedale, it will improve prospects and bring jobs to the area."

Scarborough councillor Godfrey Allanson said: "It's good news. I went away from the meeting and I thought the study would be brought out the end of this year or next year, so to hear it's going to be in six months is pretty good news for Scarborough and, I'm sure for Ryedale."

A spokeswoman for the Highways Agency said the study would examine the viability of dualling, taking into account environmental and economic factors.

"The agency will work with the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Assembly, the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and other stakeholders. The report is expected in around six months," she said.

Updated: 10:46 Thursday, April 15, 2004