A PETITION has been handed in by protestors objecting to proposed town centre parking charges

A county council traffic management strategy for Leyburn suggests parking metres would improve congestion and road safety in the town centre.

But local businesses say the move would persuade shoppers to go elsewhere.

In just one week, staff at Campbell's supermarket and the Bolton Arms pub collected the signatures of more than 1,000 visitors and locals who oppose the proposal.

This petition has now been handed to road bosses at county hall in Northallerton.

At a recent public meeting on the proposals, Leyburn Mayor Ian Barker urged council chiefs to listen to local residents before making a decision.

"This is a small thriving community," he said.

"Leyburn is doing pretty well at present and we don't want to ruin it."

Other proposals in the traffic management strategy include a new cycle route network, residents' parking bays and a 20mph speed limit in the market place.