Filming for the long-running Heartbeat series is causing a headache for a popular tourist resort, it was claimed yesterday.

Traders in Whitby have complained that disruption caused by television crews is costing them business.

Now, Whitby Town Council is asking Yorkshire Television (YTV), North Yorkshire Police and Scarborough Borough Council to help resolve the problem.

Town councillor Michael Craven-Moulder said traders in Flowergate and Skinner Street had been particular affected by the filming of latest episodes of the programme.

"Potential customers were restricted in using footpaths and film trucks were all over the place, causing an obstruction," he said.

Coun Craven-Moulder added: "The traders don't mind them filming in Whitby and don't want to upset the film crews, they just want more consideration."

Former mayor Councillor Dalton Peake warned: "If you make it difficult for the film crews, you could kill the goose that laid the golden egg. Whitby lives on tourism and the programme has brought a lot of publicity for the town."

A spokesman for YTV said: "After 13 years of filming in Whitby, we have built up an excellent relationship with local shop owners. We always provide them with adequate notice of filming times.

"We regret there must have been a misunderstanding this time."