A MAJOR shake-up of the traffic-choked twin towns of Malton and Norton will kick-start their economic revival, believes the manager of the local regeneration project.

Donna Lee, programme manager for the Malton and Norton Partnership, which supplied much of the information for the planned transport strategy which is now underway, said: "Big improvements are needed to the traffic situation in both towns."

In particular, she said, better access to and from the A64 was vital to get heavy vehicles out of the traffic-choked centres. A new junction on the Helmsley road leading from Malton was also crucial, said Mrs Lee.

"The partnership has worked closely with Mouchel, the county council's agents on the transport strategy, and we are now anxious to see a large response from businesses and the public when the proposals are published."

Currently, questionnaires are being issued to all businesses, seeking their views on the action needed to rid the towns of their congestion.

Some 60 points have been identified in a brainstorming session attended by a large number of business heads, civic and community leaders. These are currently being studied by Mouchel.

They include:

removal of non-essential traffic from the town centre;

improved signing to Malton from the A64;

improved access to Showfield Lane Industrial Estate from the A64;

full access to and from the A64 at both ends of the Malton bypass;

changing electronic routing systems which currently direct HGV traffic through the towns;

better access to and from Malton Market Place;

wider footpaths;

better facilities for cyclists including a cycle route;

changes in the signals at Butcher Corner because of the size of vehicles manoeuvring at the busy crossroad;

better traffic signing and removal of 'clutter' signs;

improved facilities for pedestrians in Norton Road;

development of a bus-rail interchange in the Malton Station area;

a new vehicular route from Norton to Malton across the railway and river;

part pedestrianisation of Wheelgate or Market Place;

improving coach drop-off and pick-up points;

residents parking zone to be created in parts of the Malton town centre.

Mike Moore, the county council's director of environmental services, said: "We have made good progress with the development of traffic management and transportation studies for other towns in North Yorkshire. I would encourage residents and businesses to return their questionnaires so that the views of the community will be well represented."

Mr Moore said the county authority would use the results of the survey to develop a number of strategy options for the towns. "We shall consult on these options later this year."

He said the aim of the strategy is to reduce traffic congestion, and to make walking, cycling and public transport more attractive as alternatives to the car.

Further information on the strategy can be obtained from Stewart Hurst at County Hall, Northallerton, (01609) 780780 extesion 2206.

Malton and Norton have been given a boost by North Yorkshire County Council which says it is fully behind the regeneration of market towns.

"The towns are so important to rural areas that their future, unique identity and sustainability, needs to be secured for future generations," said the council leader, Coun John Weighell.

He said: "Market towns have changed dramatically over the past 50 years. Each one was self-sufficient and reliant, bustling with shops and businesses, serving the local community.

"Today, jobs are anything but local and commuting is the name of the game."

A recent forum of market towns attended by representatives of councils including those in Ryedale, has decided to set up an 'Action for Market Towns Network' to support and promote the regeneration of the communities and their surrounding areas.

It was also agreed that market towns should collectively market themselves, said Coun John Dennis, the county council's executive member with responsibility for economic development.

Updated: 10:14 Wednesday, February 05, 2003