HELMSLEY needs more homes and industrial units to create jobs but residents have sent out a strong "hands off" message in response to potential revolutionary changes to the town's historic Market Place.

The findings are revealed in a report on the responses to house-to-house questionnaires and an exhibition held at the Town Hall to urge the public to help to plan Helmsley's future.

Consultant WSP Development and Transportation says the survey shows that residents in Helmsley and the surrounding villages of Rievaulx, Sproxton, Carlton, Harome and Pockley want to keep the Market Place as it is, but to have it surfaced with a traditional material.

They rejected controversial ideas of removing most of the parking and creating a new pedestrian and Friday market space. People said the car park was needed for shoppers, but others described it as "dangerous" for pedestrians because of the movement of traffic.

Comments included "getting rid of car parking would destroy Helmsley as a thriving, excellent market town", but contrary views were also put forward, one saying "this is one of the most picturesque market squares in England. It is marred by traffic and parking."

Others said that parked cars spoiled the area and that it was a hazard, especially for children.

The present weekly market held on a Friday should be extended to two days, it was claimed, but there was opposition to having a bus shelter on the square.

On the question of whether on-street parking should be more restricted, the majority opinion was against the idea, but there was support for a free disc zone for residents.

The survey also showed that there should be a period of 20 minutes' free parking for residents and that there were too many yellow lines.

On housing and jobs, some 83 per cent favoured the report's proposals of developments of homes, workshops and industry in the south-east corner of Helmsley, with such comments as: "We need more low-cost housing for our future generations - Helmsley is full of retired people."

Affordable housing was described as "paramount" to keep younger families in the town, while calls were also made for a bypass to the east of Helmsley to alleviate heavy through-traffic.

Other ideas put forward included a skate park, sports centre and gym, a supermarket and selling of land for development to finance local sports facilities.

"Many people recognise the need to plan for future development and to consider such issues as affordable housing," says WSP.

Helmsley's amenities of the arts centre, Duncombe Park, the Walled Garden, castle and sports and social club were praised, but pleas were made for use to be made of the Town Hall, the creation of a picnic area next to the castle, roofing the swimming pool and illuminating the castle.

Cycling routes using the disused rail line should be provided.

WSP, a London-based company, carried out the survey as part of the DEFRA Regeneration of Market Towns Scheme, and in conjunction with Ryedale District Council, North Yorkshire County Council, the town council and the North York Moors National Park Authority.

The company says that a third of the respondents wanted some degree of change to the Market Place.

"What they think of the options is extremely varied. Responses ranged from leaving it as it is to a complete overhaul removing all car parking."

Nearly 60 per cent did not support an increase in on-street parking restrictions.

The lack of a chemist was one of the issues highlighted in the survey.

Coun Lord Feversham said: "Although the survey involved a lot of work it was a good exercise to provide us with a way forward," and the town council chairman, Coun John Buffoni, described it as "a most important document" for Helmsley's future.

Updated: 15:12 Wednesday, February 08, 2006