Plans to create a bypass around a Ryedale village plagued by heavy traffic have moved a step closer, but villagers claim the proposed road will leave many residents cut off.

Out of three proposed options for a bypass at Rillington, near Malton, a route around the north end of the village has gained the most support.

The route, which will mean a road is built running past the village beck and Rillington Manor, was supported by district councillors.

They did not outline reasons for rejecting the two other options running to the south of the village.

Plans to build a bypass follow years of campaigning by residents who say the village, which lies on the A64, has become choked with traffic.

The area highways committee's conclusion follows a consultation by the Highways Agency with residents and a public display at Rillington Village Hall last November highlighting the pros and cons of each route.

But parish council member and Rillington resident Sue Butler told committee members most villagers were opposed to the preferred option.

"At first it seems like that is the best option, but if you look closer a number of residents will be cut off," she said. "There are a number of people who live north of the proposed route and they will not be able to get into Rillington.

"There will also be a problem for these villagers trying to get onto the bypass to go to Malton. They will be prevented from doing this by the way the road has been designed."

Updated: 11:18 Thursday, January 11, 2001