A PANEL set up to tackle Harrogate's traffic problems has met to consider ideas suggested at a public meeting earlier this year.

During peak times, Skipton Road and Wetherby Road are often at a standstill.

Suggestions have included banning parking on both roads, excluding cars from roads around schools, getting rid of the traffic lights and building a bypass.

None of these suggestions had won unanimous support from the study group set up by Harrogate Borough Council.

Traffic consultants have created simulations using computers and will be meeting the panel to illustrate the impact some of the suggestions would have if they were introduced.

Traffic panel chairman Councillor Robin Adderley said it was unlikely some of the suggestions would bear closer inspection.

He said: "It will be interesting to see the computer simulations to learn how the removal of traffic lights and creation of mini-roundabouts at some junctions on Skipton Road would work in moving traffic along, while at the same time keeping pedestrians safe.''

Any decision to build a bypass would be made by North Yorkshire County Councilwhich has begun a consultation on transport and has confirmed it will take comments and suggestions received from the panel into account.

Coun Adderley said: "The panel will be asking North Yorkshire County Council to consider all the sugges- tions made by the public and for them to report progress at a future meeting.

"This will give us the chance to ensure our residents' very real concerns are put at the top of the county's agenda."