I WOULD like to issue a very strong warning that I have major concerns with related traffic issues which will be inevitable with the launch of the new train timetable.

Everyone knows that it is chaos getting around town now and, when the crossing closes more frequently to allow the new train service, getting about our towns will become even more unbearable.

While transport improvements are welcomed, I am increasingly

worried and frustrated that the traffic chaos in Malton and Norton has not and is not being addressed properly.

It seems it is a done deal and more trains are definitely on their way, starting May 20, with no firm traffic management plan or parking plan in place.

While the chairman of Ryedale District Council (RDC) is celebrating the benefits, I have yet to see or hear about the new traffic management plan to help local residents cope with the new trains and frequent closures of the crossing.

Let’s remember TransPennine Express is a business, and making money is at the forefront of their business.

What about their contribution to our towns, which are under huge traffic pressures now and will be even more when TransPennine trains come down the track?

I strongly believe local residents’ travel needs should have been properly planned for, and RDC and North Yorkshire County Council should have implemented a plan by now, to ensure the chaotic traffic issues and chaos we suffer now was resolved first.

Norton and Malton has a disastrous traffic management plan, coupled with traffic air pollution problems now.

Why has nothing been put in place?

I fear nothing will be done by May 20. Residents, be prepared for more chaos.

Cllr Lindsay Burr, Malton county councillor and member of Ryedale District Council

Fracking ‘threat’

LORRAINE Allanson (Letters, March 28) claims that my emphasis on using renewable energy to remove the need for fracked gas is wrong because “60 per cent of UK gas consumption is used as a foodstock for other products”.

Not so. The authoritative Dukes Report states that “only one per cent of total gas consumption is used for non-energy use”.

So my argument that there is huge scope to meet the need with renewable energy is correct.

And it is happening. The Guardian (March 30) states that low carbon sources of power generated over 50 per cent of our electricity needs in 2017. 10 years ago it was just three per cent.

Ms Allanson does not seem to grasp the significance of this change and seems obsessed with short-term thinking; driving up consumption of fossil fuels, contrary to the Paris Climate Change agreement, to which the UK was a signatory. This is a dinosaur mentality, repeating the mistakes of the past.

We need to adapt, reduce consumption, and look beyond short-term expediency, of which fracking is a prime example.

Talk of the threat of fracking may sound a bit theoretical to some of your readers, so they might be interested to know that INEOS, holders of licences to explore for gas from Helmsley to West Ayton, recently offered money to Malton and Norton Golf Club to carry out extensive fracking surveys on the golf course. The Fitzwilliam Estate have also had the same request.

I understand that in both cases the request was refused, but it does demonstrate that the threat is real and already in your backyard.

Mike Gwilliam, Langton Road, Norton

Superb Malton tour

A GROUP of people from Community Base, York, were given a taster tour of Malton Artisan food and drink craft shops on Wednesday, March 28.

Our trip was kindly organised and personally conducted by David McDonald of the Talbot Hotel.

I cannot express adequately how impressed we were with the help, patience, skills and enthusiasm of all the people we encountered.

Malton has a hidden mine of wonderful places providing superb quality comestibles, leading us all to the conclusion to spread the word, and definitely make return visits.

Very many thanks to all concerned.

Bernadette Oxberry, York