MAJOR schemes, including improved rail and bus links, more railway stations and options for reviewing a bypass, will be going out for a public consultation in the new year.

Members of North Yorkshire County Council have agreed a blueprint of measures aimed at helping to relieve growing congestion in Harrogate and Knaresborough over the next decade.

Their landmark decisions followed a range of ideas put forward by traffic consultants.

Among key issues agreed for public consultation were:

* New railway stations at Bilton and east of Knaresborough

* Harrogate northern bypass options kept under review as other projects are implemented

* Staggering of school opening hours dropped - but school travel plans to be encouraged

* Further assessment on feasability of reopening Harrogate-Ripon railway line

* Plans to help pedestrians including improvements for disabled

* Measures to improve conditions for cyclists

* Encouraging companies to implement travel plans, including car sharing

* More emphasis on community transport

* Backing for improved bus services

* Bus priority schemes including drivers activating green lights at key junctions

* More bus shelters and route information at stops updated by computers

* Introducing faster services on Leeds-Harrogate rail line and upgrade rolling stock

* Improving railway stations with closed-circuit television, better information, shelters, secured cycle parking improved parking and better access for disabled.

Councillor Cliff Wilson said the county council would press the Government for major funding to implement the schemes and reduce traffic congestion in Harrogate.