RESIDENTS' anger about the lack of information on the construction of a cycle path outside their homes has forced the council to review and change its procedures.

More than 20 people living in Stockton Road, Thirsk, signed a petition expressing their concerns about the "undemocratic way" they had been treated by North Yorkshire County Council.

Their concerns refered to a public consultation in September last year that informed residents of a proposed cycle path linking South Kilvington with Long Street, in Thirsk.

The path was going to take one of two possible routes outside the houses on Stockton Road; it would either run adjacent to the road, or be combined with the existing footpath, between a line of trees and the front gardens of nine properties.

Despite a number of letters of concern, the county committee for Hambleton opted for the shared footpath and cycleway.

But it wasn't until four days before construction was due to start, on May 12, that the council's consultants, Mouchel North Yorkshire, informed residents of the decision.

Valerie Margett, of Stockton Road, said she was shocked to learn of the work, having heard nothing about the scheme for months.

"We find this attitude towards the residents unfair, cavalier and downright discourteous to say the least," she wrote to Mike Moore, the council's director of environmental services.

In response to a number of similar letters of concern, Mr Moore reviewed the consultation and decision-making process and agreed that it would have been desirable for residents to have been informed earlier.

"This has now been incorporated into the procedure for future schemes," he said.

Construction of the cycle track was suspended in May and the residents opposition forced the council to review where it should be positioned.

The committee is meeting on Monday and is expected to approve a change to the second option, and build the cycle route next to the road.