FARMERS, archaeologists and cyclists have vowed to keep a close watch on the Government's plans for new stretches of motorway through the region.

The Highways Agency has already emphasised there is a long road ahead before construction work begins on the new 29-mile motorway stretch of the A1 through North Yorkshire.

"A lot has changed since an upgrade of the A1 was dropped from Government policy seven years ago," said a spokeswoman yesterday.

"Although there are bound to be some elements we can carry forward, it isn't a matter of lifting the designs we had in 1995 off the shelf and starting from there.

"Some stretches will have to be advertised again, there will be some public consultation and possibly a public inquiry. It is in everyone's interests the process is carried out correctly," she said.

As a result, construction work is not expected to begin until 2006.

The National Farmers' Union has confirmed it will be keeping a watching brief in the months ahead.

"Farmers need access to their land and we want to make sure that need is maintained," said spokesman Rob Simpson. "When the existing stretch of motorway between Walshford and Dishforth was constructed, it included the necessary underpasses and bridges, and we would hope similar standards will apply."

English Heritage was playing down fears the new road could herald the demise of historical sites along the route.

Bulldozers effectively flattened the remains of a Roman settlement on the edge of Catterick when dual carriageway was built in the 1950s.

However, regional director John Hinchliffe said laws had been introduced since to ensure there could be no repeat.

He said: "The situation has changed since then. We have already been involved in consultation with the Government but, as more detailed plans develop in the coming months, we will continue to monitor the impact the road is likely to have on the remains of settlements from all eras of history. Our priority will be to preserve as much as we can."

Paul Hepworth, spokesman for North Yorkshire members of national cycling campaign group CTC, urged the Highways Agency to ensure there would be provision for non-motorised travellers wishing to cross major roads safely.