A PLAN to convert buildings on Kirkbymoorside's industrial estate to a coach depot will provide better bus services for local people, members of the local town council have been told.

Stephensons of Easingwold wants to change the use of buildings and storage sheds at Dove Way, Kirby Mills, into a coach operating centre.

The company told councillors: "It will not be a bus station but it will help create better bus services for Kirkbymoorside with links to services in York."

It added that the new depot would eliminate the need for buses to park in lay-bys.

Coun Tony Clark said on Monday night that there was some opposition to the venture, but he supported it because of the prospect of better services, which would benefit the public.

Coun Dr David Williamson said such a depot was a necessity from a security point of view for the company because of the risk of vandalism to their coaches when they were parked in lay-bys.

The town council is recommending approval of the scheme to Ryedale District Council planners.

Councillors criticised Ryedale Motors for felling a row of rowan trees at its open-air car sales park on the approach to the town. They said that a number of people had complained about the loss of the trees.

Coun Clark said it was "criminal" that they had been removed when businesses on the industrial estate had to plant trees and shrubs.

The company says the trees were hampering its sales and the site is due to be developed as a car showroom next year.

A protest is to be made to Ryedale District Council about the standard of grass cutting in the market town.

Coun Clark said: "We are supposed to have 10 cuts a year but I think we have had no more than five."

Councillors are also angry that grass cuttings are being left on footpaths and verges by the district authority's machines.

A "welcome pack" is to be provided for newcomers to Kirkbymoorside. Coun Barry Brook has produced a prototype which will include a letter from the council, together with a comprehensive pack of information on bus timetables, history, public footpaths, organisations, services, a newsletter, town trail and details of the new community office.

Costings are now being obtained for the promotion.

The council is to spend £420 on a new town map display board to mark the Queen's golden jubilee. The oak board will bear a carving of the town's coat of arms as well as wording to celebrate the jubilee.

Monthly checks are to be made of the two play areas in Kirkbymoorside, and there will also be a weekly litter collection.

Problems of effluent in the Mill Race were raised. Councillors were told there are difficulties in removing it because of the cost and the need to involve the Environment Agency.

Town clerk Robert Horne reported that he had cut the hedges on each side of the bridge at Ings Lane following complaints.

Some 500 daffodil bulbs are due to be planted along the A170 road at Keldholme.

Updated: 09:35 Wednesday, September 18, 2002