MORE than 100 concerned residents filled Welburn Village Hall to raise issues over the safety of the A64. The meeting was called by Carol Sollitt, Neighbourhood Watch-coordinator for Crambeck, after another two pedestrians were killed while crossing the road at weekend.

A man and a woman, in their 50s, were hit by a small white SUV while crossing the A64 near the Welburn turn, between York and Malton, at about 10.55pm on Friday, North Yorkshire Police have confirmed. The pair, who have not been named but are from the local area, were crossing the road on foot from a bus stop.

The tragedy comes just weeks after a couple Dave Tinker, 50, and Julie Gough, 52 - were killed when they were hit by a minibus while crossing the A64 at nearby Crambeck where they lived.

Mrs Sollitt said the meeting, which was attended by district and county councillors, along with the police and local representatives, had been called to discuss safety issues on the A64 following the recent tragic events.

Martin Gough, the former husband of Julie, said he had been shocked to hear of another fatal accident.

"It is a dangerous road both for drivers and pedestrians as the traffic comes past at frightening speeds," he added.

"We still don't know the full circumstances of what happened to Julie and Dave but people should not be afraid to cross the road. Something needs doing about it now."

Suggestions from the floor included a footbridge, more lighting, traffic calming measures.

Crambeck resident Richard Pollard said: "Speed is a big issue and the volume of traffic has increased considerably over the past few years."

Councillor David Lloyd-Williams, a member of the Ryedale Area Committee, said he was 'ashamed' a representative of Highways England,, which is responsible for the A64 was not present at the meeting.

"The best short time solution would be a footbridge with access for people using wheelchairs and a bus stop at idea side of the road," he added.

"The trouble is Highways England seem to spend money where it is not needed instead of where it is required."

Concerns were also expressed that duelling the A64 would only increase the dangers with more carriages to cross.

Crambeck resident Dougie Costello said: "People are coming up with some brilliant ideas but we need instant action Can the police speed van visit the area now to encourage people to slow down."

PC Nick Coning from North Yorkshire Police said he would raise the issue along with other concerns expressed during the meeting.

John Till, who chaired the meeting, said: "It has been an amazing turn-out which shows the depth of feelings and now something needs to be done to resolve it."