THE A64 York to Scarborough road must be improved for the region's economy to prosper, transport minister David Jamieson is to be told.

The message will be taken to the minister next month when Ryedale MP John Greenway meets for vital discussions over the future of the A64.

Mr Greenway told the Evening Press: "The view in Scarborough and Ryedale has for some time been that this is damaging the economy and damaging investment.

"It is one of the key issues that we want to highlight."

Councillors and officers from all three local authorities concerned - North Yorkshire, Scarborough and Ryedale - may also attend the meeting, on July 2, at Westminster.

County Coun David Lloyd Williams (Lib Dem) said: "The vibrancy of the region's economy depends on being able to get better access to the area without the frustration there is now.

"That way businesses will come back, which is very important to the economy. If there is a transport blockage because of poor road systems that is going to be a disincentive for companies thinking of moving into the area."

Coun Lloyd Williams, who is a veteran campaigner for upgrading the A64, said: "What I hope might come out of any representation is the realisation that we have been here before.

"We have to grasp like a nettle the fact that the A64 needs to be dualled right through from York to Scarborough."

He added: "When drivers come off the A1, the roads are not bad until they get to York, and then everything slows down.

"Tinkering at the edges is not going to help improve the flow of traffic, it will just add to the congestion."

Denys Townsend, from Malton Chamber of Trade, said he hoped the meeting highlights the inadequacies of the A64 to the transport minister. He said: "The improvements to links with the A1-M1 networks will enable all businesses to expand.

"It would be a significant factor in attracting new businesses to the area.

"It is progress because a lot of people have been spending time and effort on this issue.

"The business community has got to put itself forward in the strongest way possible."

Mr Greenway added: "Everything is up for review so the Government need to know and understand that all the local authorities and the residents want the road upgraded.

"It is simply not adequate, the Minister has got to get the message."

Updated: 11:28 Tuesday, June 18, 2002