Facing the future (From Gazette & Herald)

Facing the future

HUNDREDS of people turned out to examine plans for the development of six sites in Malton and Norton when they were unveiled last Friday.

Around 700 people took a closer look at the Ryedale District Council exhibition at the Milton Rooms, which included ideas for developments including those bringing new jobs and homes to the area.

In combination with the prospect of a multi-million pound overhaul of the traffic system in Malton and Norton, revealed exclusively in last week's Gazette & Herald, the developments have been hailed as the biggest boost in generations for the towns.

The traffic system overhaul envisages the building of long-awaited schemes - including a roundabout on the A64 to provide access to York Road, Malton, and a new slip-road from the eastbound A64 into Norton, plus other schemes which would see heavy lorries banned from the traffic blackspot of Castlegate in Malton and the introduction of pedestrian-only areas.

Ian Beecham, vice-chairman of the Chamber of Trade for the towns, said: "I am very excited at the prospect of the developments. Of course at this stage they are aspirations, but I and everyone else I have spoken to in the business world are very enthusiastic."

The transport schemes and the redevelopment of the key sites will run very much in tandem, said Mr Beecham. "We have waited more than 20 years for improvements to the traffic situation, ever since the bypass was built."

He added: "The developments will be good, not only for the improvements to the quality of life in the towns, but also the economic benefits which will come. We want more people to live in Malton and Norton and to shop here."

Mr Beecham, the leading pharmacist with shops in both towns, said experts had forecast that the towns are likely to see more housing developments, especially with their close proximity to York and the major road networks of the A1, A19, and M62. "Our area also has a reputation for having the lowest crime rate in the country, which will be another big plus factor in attracting new residents," he said.

A roundabout at the bottom of Golden Hill and an interchange at the Norton end of the A64 were both vital in bringing about new developments, added Mr Beecham.

A new link road from Welham Road to York Road was vital, he said. However, he had reservations about more shopping development. "At present, we are seeing people take over empty shops, but the situation is still fragile," said Mr Beecham.

Confidence among business leaders in Malton and Norton is on the increase, he believes. "We have seen a substantial increase in the chamber's membership recently, which reflects the positive attitude there is and which must augur well for the future economic buoyancy of the towns."

Due to popular demand, the exhibition will remain on display in the twin towns for a further two weeks. This week, it will be available to view at the Malton and Norton town centre manager's office at 14 Castlegate, Malton, which is open between the hours of 8.30am-2pm on Mondays and Fridays and 8.30am-5.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. From Tuesday, May 11, to Friday, May 14, it will be on display at Norton Library. For opening times, contact the library on (01653) 692960.

Julian Rudd, Ryedale District Council's forward planning manager, said: "This is not a continuation of the consultation process - because of time constraints, the consultants have taken the questionnaires away to assess - but we just wanted to make the plans available to anybody who was unable to view them over the two days."

Updated: 10:17 Wednesday, May 05, 2004