A BUSINESS association in Helmsley is back and ready to spring into action.

Traders, accommodation providers, farmers and tradesmen plan to form a fighting force to make their pretty market town a more profitable place.

It is the first time that business people there have got together since the Helmsley Chamber of Trade fizzled out eight years ago through lack of support.

Prime movers are Councillor Chris Parkin, proprietor of The Carlton Lodge B&B, Paul Radcliffe, manager of the Helmsley Walled Garden, and Pennita Wilshire, proprietor of both Spoilt For Choice rug shop and Crofts ladies fashion.

A preliminary meeting, attended by 15 businesses in the town, called for action to set up a Helmsley Business Association.

One of its first acts will be to approach Ryedale District Council with its views on how burgeoning traffic and parking is affecting one of the most attractive town squares in the whole of Yorkshire.

A road traffic management survey by North York Moors National Park with North Yorkshire County Council is nearing the completion of a two-year public consultation process - and the new body wants its voice heard.

Coun Parkin said: "There are so many matters to do with renewal areas and market towns that businesses in Helmsley were in danger of being excluded if we didn't do something about it."

Mr Radcliffe said: "We need this association at a crucial time when our collective voice needs to be heard, particularly with Yorkshire Forward's Renaissance Market Towns Initiative.

"Traffic in Helmsley is a crucial issue given that there are just two routes in the Thirsk-Scarborough Road and the Stokesley Road.

"Both carry huge volumes of traffic, much of it inappropriately huge, which use us as a short-cut from Middlesbrough to Malton.

"Those that do stop completely cram our parking facilities, turning our wonderful town square into a massive car park. A balance must be struck between the needs of drivers, residents and businesses."

Anyone interested in joining the association can phone Mrs Wilshire at 01439 771648.

Updated: 12:17 Wednesday, December 03, 2003