THE number of public rights of way in the North York Moors National Park now classed as "easy to use" is on the increase.

Figures pubished by the park authority show that more than 60 per cent of the hundreds of footpaths and bridleways on the moors have been upgraded, with a ten per cent improvement in the past five years, said Richard Gunton, the head of services.

However, he added that some areas needed more attention, especially roadside signs and paths blocked by fences and trees, work which has delayed due to last summer's floods.

An action plan was being drawn up to tackle repairs to walls, fences, hedges, and bridges, replace signs, remove trees and branches, and improve stiles and gates.