THE people of Thirsk are being consulted about a scheme to improve road safety in the town centre area.

The project involves Finkle Street and the area in and around the Market Place where there have been 17 personal injury accidents in the past five years.

A number of people have also complained to North Yorkshire County Council about the speed of vehicles using the Market Place, particularly in the evening.

As well as the risk to personal safety, there have been a number of incidents resulting in vehicle-only damage.

Key safety areas are Finkle Street at its entrance to the Market Place, the junction of Castlegate, Westgate and Chapel Street, and the Market Place near the bingo club. At all three sites the road and the footways are considered to be too narrow.

Proposals include a 20mph speed limit throughout the Market Place, slightly raised footway crossing points, a re-aligned Market Place/Millgate/Finkle Street junction to make it safer for pedestrians and keep down traffic speeds, and improved parking spaces.

A consultation exercise is being carried out. Information packs and questionnaires are available from Thirsk town council offices and the town library.