AS our towns are now actually growing, as opposed to development being discussed for years in the Malton tradition, surely it is time to address the single greatest problem –the fact there is only one way to cross the rail line and drive or walk from one town to the other.

We are seeing housing built on a number of sites – not just the odd half dozen in-fill, but large developments. These will increase the population and retail businesses will react with their own growth. It makes it more likely there will be the cattle market development and also a new supermarket and more people will move into the area.

We are, thank goodness, seeing acceptance that some infrastructure improvement is needed, eg, the expansion of Norton School.

As it is, we often have traffic chaos caused by the rail crossing, especially because the hourly services in each direction are close together. The position of Morrisons does not help, and with the inevitable increase in demand there and given that it is by far the largest supermarket in our towns, the traffic congestion can only get much worse.

Planning seems to involve the New Homes Bonus Scheme, at least for larger developments. It should have been possible to use that to build a fund for a new bridge, or at least to make a substantial start.

The need for an alternative bridge was one recognised in the plans on public display at different times in recent years. In that way, the builders who hope to profit by the growth of Malton and Norton would also have contributed to the solution.

That policy should start now. Growth is inevitable, but it should be planned from all aspects. Surely none of us want to see towns so clogged up with cars etc that any attractive aspect is lost in traffic chaos.

Sid Taylor, Swinton