A businessman will meet North Yorkshire highways bosses tomorrow to discuss a road safety package he says could kill off his trade.

Ian Dyer, who runs the post office and shop in Reeth Road, Richmond, is among residents being consulted about a package which aims to make the junction with Westfields safer.

Officials are suggesting a traffic refuge for pedestrians in the middle of Reeth Road, with yellow lines on both sides to prevent parked cars blocking either carriageway.

But Mr Dyer claims the restrictions around his shop would prevent his customers from parking outside - and many would simply go elsewhere.

"The peak in our trade is between 6.30am and 8.30am when locals pop in for a paper or a packet of cigarettes,'' he said. "If they have to start looking for somewhere to park, they may not bother.''

Mr Dyer said some people with heavy parcels had also started using his premises since the old post office on Queen's Road closed because they found it easier than walking to the town centre premises on Finkle Street.

"This could actually make life harder for the elderly or those with special needs,'' he said.

A spokesman for the county council confirmed a meeting had been arranged with Mr Dyer - although he emphasised no decision had been made.

"There have been two accidents on that junction and the objective is to make an area where parking is sometimes haphazard a safer prospect for pedestrians.

"If restrictions were imposed, there would be alternative parking further down Reeth Road or around the corner on Westfields - but consultation on the project runs until Monday, March 1, and nothing has yet been fixed.''