AN UPGRADE of roads through two communities could move a step closer next week.

Meetings have been held in Hawes and Richmond to thrash out what are seen as the priorities.

But, with five similar projects under way in market towns across North Yorkshire, the county council has found the process slow going since.

A report to be considered next week says final consultation on more definite proposals seems unlikely before the autumn.

But the authority's Richmondshire area committee will be asked to sanction some of the less controversial ideas when members meet on Monday.

In Hawes, where a second meeting with local representatives took place earlier this month, it could mean improved bus stops, secure cycle parking stands, footpath improvements and better road markings during this financial year.

More radical ideas, including reintroducing two-way traffic controlled by traffic lights on the eastern entry to the town centre, are likely to require more debate and will have to wait longer.

As the Richmond traffic management study is less well progressed, the town seems certain to face a longer delay.

It has been established that crossing the cobbled market square is often a problem for pedestrians, while the town centre lacks bus shelters.

A second meeting with community leaders has yet to come up with suggested solutions, but a date has been pencilled in for May 16.

After that, the county council could authorise the environmental services director, the Richmondshire area committee chairman and a local councillor to decide if any of the less controversial projects should be given the go-ahead this year.

Or, Monday's meeting could decide that the entire Richmondshire committee should be involved in any decisions