JOBS in North Yorkshire could be under threat with firms pulling out of the area because of a lack of plans to upgrade the A64.

Potential investors are also shying away from the Ryedale and Scarborough areas, because the A64 has become clogged with traffic.

These claims have been put forward by a delegation of senior Scarborough Borough councillors and Ryedale MP John Greenway.

The issue has become such a concern the Ryedale member - many of whose constituents work at major firms in Scarborough - is lobbying to Government for further investment.

Mr Greenway has written to the Government demanding a major upgrade be considered in a review currently being carried out.

"Although Scarborough is a major resort, much of its present prosperity is owed to its manufacturing base," he said.

"I held a meeting with the chief executive of Scarborough Borough Council John Trebble and senior councillors last week to discuss this issue. There is a very real concern that the road is inadequate and is having an adverse impact on economic regeneration."

Scarborough Borough Council's chief executive, John Trebble, said it was widely believed at the council that economic regeneration in the town was being held back by any lack of improvement to the A64.

"If existing and new businesses are to have the confidence to invest in the area then the A64 must be improved," he added.

"The Highways Agency is currently working on a final report in its development of a Route Management Strategy for the A64 from the A1 to Scarborough. The council wants to make the case for having the route dual carriageway all the way to the coast."

Rillington County Councillor Murray Naylor said something needed to be done to tackle the volume of traffic on the A64.

Updated: 10:32 Thursday, November 22, 2001