RESIDENTS of a village in the North York Moors National Park village say its cottages should be used as permanent homes and not for holiday accommodation,

Villagers at 1,000-year-old Lockton are concerned about the increasing number of holiday cottages.

Their fears are highlighted in a 32-page parish plan that outlines villagers' concerns and aspirations.

The document is backed by Ryedale District Council, Yorkshire Rural Community Council, Yorkshire Forward, The Countryside Agency, European Union and the North York Moors National Park.

In it, residents say more families should be encouraged to set up home in Lockton, rather than holidaymakers taking cottages.

They also want verges protected from parked vehicles.

Many of the 72 per cent of residents who responded to the questionnaire asked for the restoration of the bus shelter and the historic pinfold, where stray cattle were penned; for overhead cables to be put underground, and for a broadband Internet link and better mobile phone coverage.

Richard Leathley, chairman of the group that produced the plan, said: "We hope we have found a clear direction for the village's future in terms of facilities for the community, especially children."