HEAVY lorries thundering through Malton and Norton are damaging homes, roads and making life a misery for residents, claims a newly-formed action group.

But the main fear for the Malton and Norton Traffic Concern Group, which held a protest meeting at the Kirkham Henry Performing Arts Centre last week, is of safety and the risk to pedestrians with lorries mounting kerbs, said the acting chairman, Tim Burgess.

He said the meeting focused on particular traffic routes through the towns and how best for worried residents to make their case to the highway authorities.

As a result, the residents agreed to call on the Highways Agency to study the problems as part of its consultation on the A64 road improvements.

In addition, the North Yorkshire County Council's traffic management department is to be asked to explore ways of carrying out improvements to the traffic crisis in Malton and Norton, said Mr Burgess, a local magistrate.

"The primary problem is non-essential goods vehicles being forced to use the town centre routes because of a lack of access to and from the A64," he said.

The A64 route management strategy should incorporate plans to provide new access and egress points around Malton and, in addition, the traffic concern group wants to explore safety and environmental issues with the county authority, said Mr Burgess.

While the initial issue concentrated on Mount Crescent, Malton, the areas of Broughton Road, Middlecave Road, Victoria Road and Horsemarket Road, are also carrying large volumes of traffic, he added.

"It is recognised that at present there are no real alternatives because of insufficient access and egress points on the A64. This is compounded by the growth of the two industrial estates in York Road and the Showfields Lane Estate which provide much-needed employment in the area."

Mr Burgess said several residents complained of sleepless nights due to vehicle noise, damage to their homes and difficulties in parking due to the constant flow of heavy lorries.

"There were eyewitness reports of large vehicles mounting the pavements because of insufficient road width, causing fear for the safety of pedestrians, especially school children. There was considerable anxiety about the deteriorating quality of life for those living alongside these routes."

Mr Burgess said it was vital that people with concerns should respond to the Highway Agency's consultation on the A64 which ends on April 2. Further information can be obtained from Mr Burgess on (01653) 691992.

Updated: 10:06 Thursday, March 21, 2002