COMPLAINTS about a proposed traffic management strategy for Leyburn are pouring in even before an open meeting at Thornborough Hall next week.

The town's mayor, Coun Ian Barker, has received telephone calls and visits at his jewellery shop from residents of Leyburn, Coverdale and Wensleydale, since leaflets detailing the strategy drawn up by consultants Mouchel Parkman arrived by post last weekend.

At the town council meeting on Monday, it was agreed councillors could present their own views on Thursday.

Coun Barker explained: "The town council is waiting to hear what the public is saying. We are here to represent them."

"My personal opinion is: If it is not broken why try and fix it? We have one of the best market towns in the country and people love to come here.

"If they charge for parking in the Market Place people will drive straight through and go somewhere else to shop."

He was concerned that Leyburn residents would be in the minority when the questionnaires about the strategy were returned. He said it was possible many living outside the town would opt for disc permit parking.

According to Mouchel Parkman, the estimated annual cost of changing the market place into an official car park and using parking discs to limit stays would be £20,000. It would have to be met by Leyburn's taxpayers.

The only other option regarding parking on the questionnaire was a pay-and-display system so that out-of-town drivers, including those from Wensleydale and Coverdale, would bear the extra cost.

"They will tear the heart and soul out of Leyburn," said John Simpson, a Harmby resident, in his response to the county council.

He said the deadline for responses was November 5. "I can't help but wonder at the undue haste of it all when you consider I only received it on Saturday."

From today until Thursday there is an exhibition about the strategy at Thornborough Hall. Representatives of the county council and Mouchel Parkman will be at the hall to discuss the proposals today from noon-6pm, and tomorrow from 10am-6pm.

Thursday's open meeting is at 7pm.

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