Let’s help Malton’s bypass to do its job

AGAIN everyone is concerned about the increasing traffic congestion in Malton and Norton. With increasing railway usage and the increasing number of cars on the roads congestion will always be an increasing problem.

We have some very busy industrial sites. The vehicles serving these sites have to pass through the town. Also there are more HGVs that have to come in simply to get to the other side. Traffic approaching along Broughton Road or wishing to travel east bound from York Road industrial have no alternative. These vehicles are adding to congestion and air pollution.

I have said before Malton bypass is not a motorway. Its purpose is to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

This could be achieved by having two way access where the Broughton Road crosses the bypass, here a link to Showfield Lane Industrial Park could be created also, and there should be access for east bound traffic leaving York Road Industrial Estate.

Let the bypass do something useful and reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

The Ministry of Transport did provide two way access where the bypass and the A169 Pickering Road cross, we do have two way access on and off the bypass at the Brambling Fields junction.

This junction should have been provided by the Ministry of Transport but the cost had to be met by North Yorkshire County Council and Ryedale District Council.

I cannot see these local authorities ever being in a situation where the cost of these other essential facilities can be met.

In 2004 when the first discussions were taking place regarding the Brambling Fields junction we were told that the costs had to be met by the local authorities, I did write calling it highway robbery.

My feelings on this have not changed.

The Food Festival at the weekend was a huge success. I salute those who planned the parking arrangements and organised the traffic-free Market Place. Perhaps the same team could be engaged to oversee traffic flows and improve the use of the by-pass.

Cllr Brian Maud, Rillington ward member, Ryedale District Council

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Bus service plea

I HAVE just read your article regarding North Yorkshire County Council stepping in to operate bus services on a temporary basis and urging residents to use their town bus after the Pickering Town Bus Service is to cease operating this week as local company Hayesway Travel decided it wasn’t viable.

While this is very much appreciated and it will allow some of the elderly residents to be able to get to the doctors, dentist, library, shopping or just meeting friends, running it on an hourly basis, if this is likely to continue, may be a little unwise.

When sitting in my front room and the bus goes past, it is sometimes empty.

Perhaps run it on a two hourly basis. People can work out their dental, doctor appointments accordingly and that could make it viable to run the service after the six month trial.

I think the mornings are most important to residents as probably, like me, they are up early and this is the best time for them.

I do hope it is a success as, who knows, in the future I may need this service.

Ann Searle, Pickering

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Volunteers praise

FOLLOWING National Volunteers’ Week we should like say a big thank you to our amazing team of volunteers who help make the Yorkshire Arboretum such a wonderful place to visit.

Over 100 volunteers give their time and enthusiasm to help maintain our 120-acre site, support school visits, and welcome visitors. Some do it to improve their job prospects, others to give something back to their community or to make new friends and have fun.

We always need more volunteers and if any of your readers would like to find out more they can at yorkshirearboretum.org/volunteering.

Christine Pietrowski and Jackie Ray, volunteer co-ordinators

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Thanks to ‘heroes’

I WOULD like to say a big “thank you” to two gentlemen who came to my mother’s rescue when she fell in Finkle Street in Malton on Wednesday, May 30.

It was so kind of them to stay until she felt well enough to get up.

You are both heroes. Many thanks.

Chris Wood, York