THE long debate over whether Stamford Bridge should get a road bypass has been re-started by an anonymous mystery activist - or group of activists.

Posters have appeared in windows of homes and on some lamp-posts, demanding a bypass for the village.

They have also been spotted on the sign welcoming motorists to Stamford Bridge as they drive in from York.

Stamford Bridge is often described as "a bottleneck", as it sees large amounts of traffic heading between York and the east coast.

But while some residents have called for a bypass, most traders have always been strongly opposed to the idea, as they fear losing passing trade.

Though the activists have been busy in recent weeks, nobody seems to know who they are.

"A leaflet was put through my letter box a while ago now," said a resident, who asked not to be named.

"I think there should be a bypass, but you daren't say that too loudly otherwise you'll never get served again in the local shops.

"Most of the people who run them are strongly against it."

Vic Naylor, who spent 41 years on Stamford Bridge parish council - with 16 as chairman - said he had "no idea" who was behind the posters.

But he said the bypass debate has been "going on since petrol rationing finished."

He told the Evening Press: "On the whole, the parish council were in favour of a bypass for health and safety reasons, but we were always well aware of the potential drawbacks.

"Obviously the debate has never been concluded. But possibly the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."

A spokesman for D&Y Taylor butchers, in The Square, was strongly opposed.

"If residents want a bypass, then let them have one. I just hope they can manage without shops.

"Local trade alone isn't enough to support us, not when we are competing against supermarkets."

And former parish councillor Peter Long, whose Homecare shop has been in the village for 42 years, said: "A bypass would kill the place. It is that simple. There wouldn't even be enough trade left to cover the rates."

However, the landlord at The Swordsman pub, Neil Townsend, said: "People are wary, but I don't think it would be too bad. This is an attractive, historic town. People would still come and visit."

Tom Barnes, forward planning manager at the East Riding Council, said that "at present" there are no plans for a bypass."

Updated: 12:26 Thursday, September 20, 2001