CAMPAIGNERS are bringing their demands for a new road into the 21st century with a text message road sign.

Protesters at Shipton-by-Beningbrough, near York, have been calling for the A19 to bypass their village since the 1930s.

The current plan by North Yorkshire councillors is to begin building the road in 2008, but protesters are calling for quicker action. The new sign reads "2008? Far 2 L8", which translates from mobile phone text speak as "2008? Far too late.

A19 bypass committee chairman Bill Hiles said: "We have been campaigning for so long now, we wanted to really bring it up to date.

"We also want to reach a new audience, to get modern, young people on our side, to appeal to them and give them something they will understand.

"We needed to point out exactly what the delay is likely to be before we in the village see any action. It is just too long, and we need people to know this."

Shipton householders claim the main village thoroughfare is virtually uncrossable and a notorious accident blackspot.

Mr Hiles last year started a petition after his wife narrowly escaped injury when a container lorry crashed into his garden.

Mrs Hiles was sitting in her living room drinking tea when the truck crashed and came to a halt only inches away from her.

He said: "I think they thought I had a vested interest, and they were right. This scheme has become my priority, but sadly it is not one for the council."

More than two weeks after sending a letter to the county council requesting explanation as to why the plan is so long delayed, Mr Hiles is still waiting for a response.

"They seem to keep us waiting for everything, but it really shouldn't take them this long simply to explain their decision."

Updated: 09:23 Thursday, May 01, 2003