MORE than 200 concerned residents have signed a petition calling for proposed traffic safety measures in a North Yorkshire town to be extended.

However, in an unexpected twist, the petition may mean the introduction of any improvements is delayed.

Residents want planned traffic calming in Colburn Lane, Colburn to be extended a further 400m along the road.

The proposed measures include 20mph signs, raised tables and warning patches between Catterick Road and Sutton Avenue,

They say extending the scheme would improve safety around the corner shop and the junction where a nine-year-old boy was hit by a car last month.

Resident Sylvia Allerston said: "Everyone is very concerned and it seems ludicrous to stop the safety restrictions just short of the shop."

However, traffic chiefs say while they agree with residents in principle, any safety work could now be delayed for months to consider the petition.

Eddy Hayward, area traffic manager for North Yorkshire County Council, said there was a legal obligation to present the petition to the council's Richmondshire area committee at its next meeting in November.

"We agree entirely with the residents that the scheme should eventually be extended, but we only have so much money to spend each financial year," said Mr Hayward.

"I'm sure the residents didn't realise the effect a petition could have, but we can't do anything until it goes before the committee.