A STREET which has been turned into a racetrack by boy racers may have a reduced speed limit imposed.

Residents of Thirsk have described St James Green as a potential deathtrap as young drivers race round the street at speeds of up to 60mph.

Consultations are now to be held with Thirsk Town Council and local people over proposals to extend a 20mph scheme already planned for the town's market place this autumn.

Earlier this year, North Yorkshire County Council turned down a request for the 20mph limit in the market place to be extended into St James Green, Millgate, Bridge Street and Stammergate.

It was felt that St James Green was not a high priority area for a reduced limit because there had been no serious accidents in the past five years and 85 per cent of vehicles kept within the speed limit.

But this decision has been reversed following pressure from the town council and a local resident.

Barry Ogleby, who lives on St James Green, said he was delighted at the county council's decision and hoped it would help solve the problem.

He added: "This goes to show people they can change things if they stand up for themselves.

"The people who are racing round these streets are nothing short of lunatics and nutters.

"They want their cars confiscating. It's amazing nobody has been hurt."

He said the drivers very often lost control and that one car hit a house and another became airborne, colliding with a lamppost.

Mr Ogleby said: "Like many places, Thirsk depends on its tourism People come here because its James Herriot's village and are amazed when they see these people racing.

"It reflects badly on the town and can damage the local economy."

Police have supported the extension of the 20mph zone but have warned that it may have to be self-enforcing.

It is anticipated there will be little cost involved in extending the 20mph limit because nearby Piper Lane would have to be included in the scheme.

Traffic calming measures involving additional road markings are expected to cost between £4,000 and £5,000.