MEASURES to control parking on the streets of a village which has become a magnet for tourists could be introduced within six weeks.

Traffic problems in Osmotherley are said to have become so serious that a working group of local people and councillors has spent the last ten months trying to find ways of alleviating them.

Issues identified included access for emergency services, parking on greens and pavements, obstruction on corners, such as that in South End, as well as in areas of Back Lane, North End and West End, speeding and inadequate turning space for coaches.

The group worked on solutions with North Yorkshire County Council, which on Tuesday outlined proposals at a packed meeting in the village hall.

The first stage would involve an experimental system of double lines banning parking in certain areas, but the meeting was told there were proposals for 20mph zones and the parish council was continuing its efforts to find land for a car park, the subject of debate for 25 years.

Parking restrictions, involving double lines painted in primrose and narrower than those normally used so that they will be compatible with the conservation area, would apply mainly to narrow parts of North End and smaller areas of West End and South End.

County council area traffic manager Eddy Hayward said the restrictions would apply for a trial 18 months so changes could be made if problems arose.

Consultations would take place with the district and parish councils and the national park authority and, if there were no objections, it was hoped to introduce the restrictions within the next six weeks, before the start of the summer tourist season.

Mr Hayward confirmed the plans proposed a concession of ten minutes' waiting outside the shop and cafe in North End.

He said: "I hope villagers will

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