EXTRA parking bays for disabled motorists are proposed in Richmond.

North Yorkshire County Council wants to set aside three new spaces for blue badge holders in Queens Road.

Two of the spaces would take up existing disc zone bays near Friary Gardens. Another bay would be created on the opposite side of the road, near the Ralph Fitz Randal pub.

The space is already signed as a disabled space, but has not been formally registered as such.

One letter of objection has been received from a user of a children's nursery in Queens Road. It said the reduction in parking spaces would cause difficulties for parents dropping off and collecting their children from the nursery.

However, council officers will recommend councillors approve the disabled bays at a meeting of Richmondshire Area Committee on Thursday.

Gordon Gresty, council corporate director for business and commercial services, said: "The two disabled parking bays proposed for the east side of Queens Road are situated so as to be of use for disabled badge holders wishing to visit the nearby Georgian Theatre, tourist information centre or public toilets.

"It was identified there was a lack of such parking in the immediate vicinity of such important facilities."