LOWER speed limits and better cycling facilities will be introduced to improve traffic in Catterick.

Officials at North Yorkshire County Council have come up with several measures as part of the new Catterick Garrison traffic strategy.

It has been drawn up after consultation with more than 1,000 residents and organisations.

One of the measures proposed is closing Plumer Road to provide a quiet route between Catterick and Richmond for cyclists.

A network of cycle paths would be created and better signs installed on routes used by horse riders.

A number of new speed limits would also be introduced.

Drivers would be forced to travel at 30mph at the Catterick Bridge junction, 40mph along the A6136 Leeming Lane between the racecourse and Catterick Village and 20mph in the centre of Catterick Village and Hipswell.

All the measures were supported by more than half of those who responded to the questionnaire sent out by the council.

A scheme to improve safety and access for road users in Catterick Village will be based on the results of the consultation.

Work has started on a £50,000 project to improve bus stops and introduce dropped kerbs.

Over the next two years, £250,000 will be spent on implementing the strategy. It will be discussed by the county council's Richmondshire committee on Monday.

Gordon Gresty, the director of business and environmental services, said: "The development of a traffic management strategy for Catterick and Catterick Garrison has involved full engagement with local organisations, statutory consultees and the local community."

He said design work would start immediately and that officers would prepare a timetable for the work, to be presented to the committe at a date yet to be decided.

Some residents have called for the mini roundabout at the junction of Vicarage Road and Catterick Road to be replaced by traffic signals.

Mr Gresty recommended their concerns be investigated and a report prepared.