RESIDENTS and visitors have had their say on what they think are the top priorities for the future of the North York Moors National Park.

Both groups were in agreement about what the national park authority should focus on in the coming years, including maintaining paths and bridleways, protecting wildlife and habitats and giving grants and advice to farmers and landowners.

More than 1,500 people responded to the questionnaire in which they were asked to rate services provided by the national park authority, with a score ranging from not important to very important.

The national park has had its government grant slashed by 26.5 per cent and the authority has pledged to use the results of the consultation when it presents a new business plan later this year.

For respondents with a disability or health issue, providing a bus service to the North York Moors and maintaining toilets, car parks and picnic areas were also classed as very important.

The services with the lowest overall score were grants for renewable energy projects, providing a website and publications and investing more in planning and enforcement services.

Julie Lawrence, director of information, education and visitor services, said: "I would like to thank all of those who took part in the consultation. Many also provided additional comments and thoughts which I can assure you will be taken on board.

"The consultation is just one of several discussions and exercises we are carrying out to inform what will be difficult decisions around future work areas for the Authority."

A table outlining the results from the consultation can be found at: www.northyorkmoors.org.uk