New public transport routes could be created to connect 'left behind' rural locations in North Yorkshire after a proposal was put forward to identify areas where access to public transport is lacking. 

Employers and residents in the region have raised issues about providing public transport options in more rural areas of Richmondshire to access transport at the right times for work and education.

The issue was brought up on Wednesday (October 23) at the North Yorkshire Council Richmond (Yorks) Area Committee - where councillors backed a £50,000 study that will investigate the gaps in public transport between Hawes and Stokesley and any location in between. 

A bus at the bus stopA bus at the bus stop (Image: ARRIVA) Through the project, the council will work with large employers in the area, to look into better public transport for employment centres.

A feasibility study will then be produced, identifying short-term opportunities to improve transport to work options, any other key transport requirements for study and health, and any funding requirements.

During the meeting, it was noted that a lot of employers in North Yorkshire are struggling for staff, including pubs, restaurants and hotels, due to the lack of public transport to rural locations. 

An Arriva bus on the roadAn Arriva bus on the road (Image: ARRIVA) This issue was flagged by Cllr Yvonne Peacock, who covers the Upper Dales division, and highlighted that buses were "vital" to people getting to work, either to factories or hospitality venues. 

Currently, Cllr Peacock said that there was "little to no" public transport, and hoped that this funding for the study would deliver a "new lease of life to the area". 

Cllr Kevin Foster, ward member for the Hipswell and Colburn division, also backed the idea - calling the opportunity "a once-in-a-lifetime chance to change public transport in North Yorkshire".

He added: "It's important that this study is done. There are plenty of issues with buses in Catterick and the surrounding areas with buses and people not getting to work. 

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"There are many examples of people not getting to the hospital or missing appointments, work, or school because of the lack of public transport."

Following discussions at the committee meeting on Wednesday, councillors backed the study, which will cost £50,000, unanimously. 

It's then hoped that the study will help to identify gaps and discussions with transport companies and employers in the future, and will open a consultation about the wider issue with public transport in North Yorkshire.