HIGHWAY bosses are to be asked to investigate after a new bypass ended up driving lorries through a narrow lane in the heart of a historic town.

Bedale Town Council was told that more and more HGVs are using Wycar, a narrow road which at one stage reduces to one vehicle wide, a legacy of the town’s ancient past. On one side of the lane are houses and a narrow pavement and on the other is the Methodist church.

Bollards have been installed to protect pedestrians but on many occasions have been damaged. Since the town’s £40m bypass was built local residents say more wagons and HGV’s are using the lane which links the town’s Market Place with the main Masham road.

Town clerk Charlie Hart said they had been approached by members of the public concerned at the number of “really serious” HGVs that are using Wycar to try and bypass the busy crossroads at Bridge Street and Sussex Street.

Cllr Malcolm Young said:”They are trying to avoid the crossroads, but we are going to have to do something or the place will be shaken to bits. We have an access road and a bypass but it is not suitable for HGVs and there are a lot going through. The odd one is not a problem, but this is.”

Cllr Mike Barningham said it was an issue because there were no restrictions on HGVs using Wycar, which is used as part of the bus route through the town.

A long term resident of Wycar said: "It’s difficult because there’s vehicles parked on the road, and the wagons have problems getting through.

"Sometimes it’s chaos if you get a really big HGV trying to come past. Other vehicles have to reverse to make way and it is a concern because the pavements are so narrow."