VILLAGERS have won a new ally in their fight to stop a motorway service area being built on their doorstep.

Celebrity gardener and environmentalist Alan Titchmarsh has given his support to people living in the Kirby Hill area, near Boroughbridge.

His backing comes as campaigners against the proposal for the A1(M) prepare to present their case at a public inquiry in Ripon early next month.

Local parish councillor Gareth Owens contacted Mr Titchmarsh after hearing of his passion for protecting the environment.

In his letter, which will be presented to the hearing, Mr Titchmarsh said: "I wholeheartedly endorse your campaign opposing this massive development which would cause irreversible harm to the open rural landscape.

"The unacceptable visual impact on the area, and the noise and light pollution would adversely affect the quality of life of local residents and over 20 hectares of excellent agricultural land would be lost for ever."

Mr Owens said the campaigners against the proposal were delighted that Mr Titchmarsh - whose gardening career started with Ilkley parks department - had taken the time to back them.

"It was true to form of him," he said. "He was simply horrified by the size of the development and its proposed location at Kirby Hill in beautiful open countryside just to the north of the village. We are very grateful for his support.

"We believe there should be no motorway services at Kirby Hill for all the reasons Mr Titchmarsh has mentioned - plus a few more besides."

The saga of planned motorway service sites on the upgraded A1 has been a long-running affair.

There was a public inquiry into the issue in 1997 after which an inspector named Kirk Deighton as a preferred site. But because of uncertainty over other motorway developments at the time Kirby Hill came into the frame.

Under the latest public inquiry, sites at Kirby Hill, Flaxby, Kirk Deighton, Bramham crossroads and Skelton Grange, near Leeds, have all been earmarked as potential homes for the development.