RESIDENTS are against suggested proposals for town centre car parking charges, a survey has found.

A questionnaire has revealed that while the majority of people back a new parking strategy for Leyburn, disc parking is preferred to a pay and display system.

North Yorkshire County Council sent out nearly 4,000 leaflets and questionnaires on its traffic management strategy plans.

Of the 1,241 responses, 57 per cent voted in favour of changes to parking regulations.

Of these, 57 per cent said they would prefer disc parking to parking charges.

Other suggestions made by highway chiefs have been supported.

Residents have backed a network of cycle paths, improvement to footpaths and pedestrian crossings, bus stop alterations, a safety zone around the town's schools and lower speed limits on roads into Leyburn.

Consultees also voted in favour of changes to the road layout in the market place.

The preferred scheme, Option A, includes a zebra crossing between the Market Place and Commercial Square.

If adopted, a one-way system would be introduced in parts of the town centre.

Plans to reserve an area of the Market Place for a care-free "environmental improvement area" were not backed by residents.

Despite the survey showing there was some support for the council's plans, the recommendations have sparked heated debate after being outlined in October.

Businesses in the town claim parking charges would hit trade and community leaders say much of what has been suggested is not needed.

A petition of about 1,000 signatures opposed to parking charges has been sent to county council highway chiefs.

Countdown presenter and East Witton resident Richard Whitely has hit out at the plans, calling on the council to "back off and leave us alone."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire County Council said the consultation results would now be considered and recommendations would be given to the Richmondshire area committee in February.

The council is offering residents, businesses and community leaders a further chance to make comments, in the light of the consultation results, ahead of this meeting.

Letters can be sent to Mike Moore at County Hall, Northallerton.