A FACT-FINDING day to ascertain the views of Pickering residents has been hailed a big success with a catalogue of issues raised.

Councillor Linda Cowling, leader of Ryedale District Council, told its full meeting last week that among concerns raised was traffic manage - ment in the popular market town due to its tourist industry, the need to improve the quality of the weekly market and the need for housing for the younger generation.

Councillor Cowling said a number of positive points had been raised by residents, including praise for the success and near completion of Pickering’s flood defence scheme at Newbridge, the successful comple - tion of the Well Walk public rights of way dispute, and the fact that some 200 jobs are to be created in the long-term at high tech company, McKechnies.

The new Lidl store has had a positive benefit for Pickering with businesses reporting increased footfall in the town