The long-awaited scheme to upgrade one of Easingwold's main thoroughfares has moved a step closer - but the project is unlikely to be completed until 1999.

Hambleton district councillors are now being urged to approve the scaled-down project to revamp Long Street.

It was previously feared that North Yorkshire County Council, faced with the need to cut £2.3 million from its highways budget alone next year, would be unable to pay for the improvements.

But support for the scheme was strengthened by shaving nearly £100,000 off the cost of the £300,000 project by scrapping plans to lay flagstones and by reducing the number of pedestrian crossings.

Easingwold town councillors have also offered to pledge £10,000 to pay for four crossing points on the road and take responsibility for maintaining grass verges and new trees. It is hoped that the improvements, aimed at creating a safer and more attractive environment for residents, will also help to swell visitor numbers, which have dwindled since the opening of the A19 bypass.

The improvements will address the need for speed limits, higher kerbs to stop cars parking on verges, and limited access for lorries. The county council has also suggested it might be able to stretch its budget to pay for a new sign for the town.

The sign would be erected at the roundabout to be constructed at the northern A19 junction in response to the number of accidents which have plagued this notorious stretch of road.

Members of Hambleton's leisure and amenities committee meet to decide the future of the scheme on Thursday. If approved, work is expected to last around 20 weeks starting in February 1999.

Forward planning officer Derek Cowan said work could not start before detailed surveys of the area were completed and intricate plans of the project were prepared.

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