MOTORCYCLISTS speeding on the roads leading to the market town of Helmsley are damaging its image as a tourist centre, say traders.

They have warned that the large number of motorcyclists going to the town and driving what has become known as the Bilsdale/Helmsley TT - the Stokesley road - could keep visitors away.

North Yorkshire County Council's highways department is looking at ways of curbing traffic speed on the road, with measures costing more than £2m, as a result of a catalogue of complaints.

Val Travis, of the Helmsley Traffic Action Group, told the Helmsley community and police action group at the town hall that motorists and residents were becoming increasingly worried about the volume and speed of motorcycles on the approach roads to Helmsley.

"I believe it could have serious repercussions on the economy of the town," she told senior police officers.

Mrs Travis said there had been reports of motorcycles zig-zagging on the road to warm-up their tyres, dangerous overtaking and loud noise from engines.

The road has seen a number of fatal and serious injury accidents in recent years.

Mrs Travis said the cost of a fatal accident and its after-effects was now put at £1.2m.

"I would rather see our schools getting that money" she said. "Traffic is affecting the value of homes."

Calls were made for the 30mph signs to be moved further out of the town and for double white lines to be laid on the hill leading from Helmsley towards Rievaulx.

"We are very concerned about the speed of vehicles leaving and entering Helmsley. We take our lives in our hands," she said.

Councillor Chris Parkin, who represents Helmsley on Ryedale District Council, said: "Helmsley does have a traffic problem, with motorcyclists being the main issue."

Inspector Neil Burnett said: "While this is a beautiful area, it does attract motorcyclists - sometimes between 200 and 300 at a time."

He said the 26 deaths in motorcycle accidents in North Yorkshire this year were "horrendous", and happened despite intensive police campaigns. "We do need to look at long-term solutions," he said.

Senior police officers, National Park and county highways department officers are trying to come up with ideas to reduce traffic speed on the Bilsdale to Stokesley road.

Motorcyclists are drawn to Helmsley and Ryedale, because they are listed in motorcycle publications in the top ten routes in the country.