POSSIBLE solutions to traffic problems in Bedale could involve moving the market cross.

North Yorkshire County Council and its consultants, Mouchel Parkman, held a second workshop as part of consultations on a proposed five-year traffic management strategy for Bedale and Aiskew, similar to those already undertaken in Northallerton and Easingwold.

The first workshop was held last September and a 10pc sample survey based on returned questionnaires revealed that priority public objectives included changes at road junctions to make them safer, as well as improvements to pedestrian routes, town centre bus stops and coach parking areas and better conditions for cyclists sharing busy roads with drivers.

It was also felt that parking arrangements should be reviewed to reduce conflict between vehicles and pedestrians and that additional measures should be taken to reduce speeds on approaches to Bedale and Aiskew.

Options being put forward include the creation of a roundabout or a new crossroads at the junction of Emgate and Market Place, where visibility for drivers emerging from Emgate is limited by the market cross. Both would involve moving the cross, which dates from about the fourteenth century.

At the other end of Market Place, options for the busy White Bear junction would involve widening the road and either altering the traffic priority or installing traffic lights.

General improvements suggested for Bedale include traffic lights at the junction of Firby Road, Sussex Street and Wycar, and a mini roundabout at the point where Burrill Road and Masham Road converge.

Locals are also being asked for their views on a controlled pedestrian crossing near St Gregory's Church, with a ramped access to Bedale Hall on the other side of the road, and improved signing and road lining to raise awareness of the mini roundabout in Aiskew, which has been the subject of many complaints.

Improved coach drop-off and pick-up points are suggested in Bedale's North End, as are modifications to the bus stop and disabled parking arrangements in Market Place.

It has been suggested that cyclists could be helped by resurfacing and lighting part of Back Lane, Aiskew, and that north of St Gregory's Church there could be a joint pedestrian and cycle route following the opening of a local relief road, which depends on the upgrade of the A1 to motorway standard between Dishforth and Barton.

Local councillors, representatives of other organisations and the public, reviewed the options during a four-hour workshop session on Wednesday.

A county council spokesman stressed that options were only up for preliminary discussion at this stage. Future steps were likely to involve an explanatory leaflet, a questionnaire and a public exhibition of proposals.

Public response would have to be analysed, a final report would be prepared and proposals would go before the county committee for Hambleton.