CONTROVERSIAL plans for parking charges in a North Yorkshire town centre are expected to be scrapped following a public outcry.

North Yorkshire County Council director of environmental services is recommending that a proposal to introduce parking restrictions in Leyburn is rejected.

The move comes after more than 1,000 visitors and residents signed a petition against parking meters or a disc zone in the town centre.

The majority of responses were also against parking restrictions, and Leyburn Town Council voted against the move.

Doug Campbell, from Campbell's supermarket, in Leyburn, helped collect signatures for the petition.

He said: "I'm very pleased - Leyburn doesn't need parking charges.

"It wasn't broken and so doesn't need fixing. I am here every day and there are always places for people to park."

Leyburn district councillor Dave Morton said he believed the county council had seen sense.

He said: "I am pleased that they have listened to what people had to say and it seems we are not going to have parking charges in the Market Place."

Mike Moore, county council corporate director of environmental services, said in a report on the plans: "Support of Leyburn Town Council and Richmondshire District Council is essential to the delivery of a controlled parking scheme in Leyburn.

"It is recommended therefore, that discussions with the town and district councils should be continued."

Mr Moore is also recommending that plans for an overhaul of traffic flow, including a one-way system, be rejected after the police and town council objected to the changes.

Less controversial measures expected to go ahead include a school safety zone in Richmond Road, a 20mph speed limit in the town centre, more cycle paths and improvements to bus stops.

The report will be discussed by the county council's Richmondshire area committee at Thornborough Hall, Leyburn, on Friday, February 25, at 2.30pm.