Support grows for the A64 improvement campaign (From Gazette & Herald)

Support grows for the A64 improvement campaign

11:33am Wednesday 24th October 2007

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Shoppers in Malton have been adding their weight to a campaign lobbying for urgent improvements to the A64.

A display has been put up in Morrison's supermarket in the town urging locals to get behind Ryedale District Council's bid to win funding for a new roundabout on the busy truck road at Musley Bank.

The scheme is one of four proposals in the running for funding at the meeting of the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Transport Board on November 30.

It is hoped that if the £3.5 million improvements get the go head it will cut the amount of cars and lorries that clog up Malton and Norton.

One of the shoppers signing a letter, which will be handed to the board, was former Huttons Ambo resident Eileen Botting.

She said after living in the village for more than 20 years she has witnessed the chaos caused by accidents on the dual carriageway.

"These improvements are desperately needed not only to filter traffic away from Malton but make the A64 a safer stretch of road, " she said.

"There are many accidents in this area and problems are caused by diversions going through tiny villages like Huttons Ambo when there is a crash on Golden Hill.

"The traffic is terrible on the A64, especially in the summer and this scheme would help ease the pressure on the centre of Malton.

"We moved here in 1983 and there was talk about improvements then - I hope something will finally be done."

Chair of the Junction Action Group, Coun Lindsay Burr, joined officers at the supermarket urging shoppers to support the scheme.

She said: "It crucial to the economic viability of both towns that we get these improvements. We have got a two week window of opportunity before the meeting with the Regional Transport Board to get as much public backing as possible.

"We need to make this happen to improve the safety, environment and future prospects of both Malton and Norton."

One of the shoppers lending her voice to the campaign was Lynne Taylor from Langton.

She uses the dual carriageway every day and says the situation is getting worse.

"Malton is a beautiful market town this is ruined by the constant stream of lorries which pass through it, " she said.

"Mothers with prams and pensioners take their life into their hands when they cross the road in Malton and butcher's corner is dangerous to say the least.

"Something needs to happen because the traffic situation can only get worse."

Supporters can add their views online by visiting the Ryedale District Council website at www. ryedale. gov. uk. Written comments can also be forwarded to Ryedale District Council at Ryedale House, Malton.

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