COUNCILLORS have backed calls for an HGV ban in Malton and Norton to improve air quality but rejected proposals to realign traffic flow through the two towns.

Cllr Di Keal and fellow Liberal Democrat Cllr Elizabeth Shields, put forward a motion at a meeting of last week's Ryedale District Council (RDC) urging members to support a HGV weight restriction across the level crossing in Norton to help improve the area’s air quality.

They also called for local residents to be included in North Yorkshire County Council's (NYCC) current consultation into the ban and other measures to be taken improved traffic flow and ease congestion.

However an amendment by Conservative members rejected proposals to revisit plans to realign traffic through the Castlegate, Yorkersgate and Norton Road areas of the town to reduce pollutant levels, ease traffic flow and improve the street scene

Cllr Keal, who is also a town councillor for Norton West said: "It is disappointing that Tory members of the district council chose to water down a Liberal Democrat motion designed to make a real difference to both the air quality and environment for residents in Norton and Malton.

"By 'playing with words' Cllr Luke Ives has set back an opportunity for RDC, working with the county council, to look at complementary measures that need to introduced alongside the proposed HGV ban over County Bridge that is currently being considered, such as realigning traffic routes and improving pedestrIan and cycle routes between Norton and Malton.

"The district council could and should do so much more to press the case to reduce heavy traffic and air pollution especially on Castlegate - the most congested road in Malton - but instead chose to absolve itself of its responsibility to care for the health and well-being of local residents".

Cllr Ives, said: I am delighted that RDC has strongly supported plans for a HGV ban in Malton town centre, for too long the town has been plagued by toxic air quality. I hope that the County Council will acknowledge public opinion and implement the ban as soon as possible.

"However, even after a ban is enforced, traffic congestion will remain a huge problem, which is why we must implement other measures, such as improvements to the level crossing. At the Council meeting I moved an amendment to conduct a feasibility study to investigate possible improvements to the crossing, and to receive a progress report on the Air Quality Management Action Plan.

"I also removed an ill thought out and badly worded part of Cllr Keal's motion, which was to revisit plans to realign traffic along Castlegate. Cllr Keal may claim I "watered down" the motion, which in fact the total opposite is true. I want a town that has low emissions and congestion, revisiting pointless schemes is going to get us nowhere."

Fellow Conservative Cllr Kean Duncan said: "I completely support all moves to improve air quality in Norton and Malton. RDC is in a strong position to work with NYCC to make sure robust action is taken as quickly as possible.

"The motion as amended, alongside the planning committee's recent decision to support a 7.5 tonne ban across the level crossing, suggest progress is now finally been made."