A NEW group to improve recreational bus services to and through the North York Moors is being proposed this weekend.

A Moorsbus passengers group could be one thing to come out of an open meeting at Sutton Bank visitor centre on Sunday.

Bill Breakell, the national park's tourism and transport officer, said: "Although we pride ourselves in finding out what Moorsbus passengers want, we felt the establishment of an independent group might help in producing an even better service, and keep us even more on our toes."

Moorsbus passengers are being surveyed as part of an annual study which has been undertaken since 1994. This has shown a very high level of satisfaction with the service and has helped the park authority to find out what users want.

The new group will supplement this information and could provide the focus for new ideas, including new routes, times or fare structures.

Mr Breakell said: "Following foot-and-mouth disease, we need to regain the confidence of visitors and re-establish the North York moors as a prime tourist destination with an environmentally-friendly means of travelling."

The meeting is an informal event where passengers will be able to drop in for a cup of coffee and talk to park staff, drivers and bus operators. Staff will be at the national park visitor centre at Sutton Bank between 10.45am and 3pm.

The times enable bus users from as far away as Hull, Goole, York, Redcar, Hartlepool and Darlington to call in and make their points.