ONE of the biggest studies into easing congestion in two neighbouring towns is due to get under way next week.

The £50,000 study will assess more than 70 different potential options to improve traffic flow in Malton and Norton in North Yorkshire.

Jointly funded by Ryedale District Council and North Yorkshire County Council, the study will focus on the towns' level crossing in a bid to cut queues, improve pedestrian access and mitigate the effect of additional rail services from 2019.

Norton county councillor Keane Duncan said while it would be a challenge, he is optimistic the study can improve the situation.

“There is no simple solution to keeping our town moving, but this study gives us the best chance of making sure we are ready to cope with future residential development and additional level crossing closures," he said.

The county council has appointed consultants WSP to review 72 options and undertake initial feasibility work to enable the proposals to be sifted, packaged and prioritised.