RADICAL new proposals on how to manage town centre traffic are to be put forward to the people of Easingwold.

The creation of a no-car zone or a one-way area in the Market Place are among the proposals to be put forward for public consultation.

"I am anxious to stress that the community's views will count," said Coun Peter Sowray, county councillor for Easingwold and county council executive member for the environment.

"This is an opportunity to have a say in the future of traffic management in Easingwold."

Views expressed during the consultation will be taken into account when the county committee for Hambleton decide on the future management of the town centre this summer.

The most radical plans would see substantial changes to the Market Place, to develop the public transport system by accommodating more space for bus changeovers and disabled access, with the Market Place made one-way using the link road by Chapel Lane for bus parking.

Alternatively, the Square around the Green could be used for this and closed to other vehicles, leaving the rest of the Market Place undisturbed.

Stewart Hurst, North Yorkshire County Council environmental enhancement engineer, said: "Other options would see more road safety measures to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, such as changing problematic road junctions. The most basic plan put forward, which has already secured £100,000 funding, would see pedestrian, public transport and signing improvements."

These developments would include measures such as new crossing points, tactile pavements and improved signs.

The major public consultation will include a two-week exhibition at the Galtres Centre Easingwold, starting next Saturday. It will coincide with leaflets describing the options together with questionnaires being delivered to all homes in Easingwold and the surrounding area.

Updated: 09:57 Saturday, May 31, 2003