PLANS to withdraw a ban on heavy lorries using a country road between two villages is going out to public consultation.

Members of a North Yorkshire County Council area committee voted to revoke the existing 7.5 tonne weight restriction on the road between Burton Leonard and Wormald Green, near Ripon.

But councillors voted that the scheme must be advertised to gauge reaction from villagers and road users before any action is taken.

The move came after residents complained that a large number of heavy goods vehicles were passing through nearby Staveley village.

Council officials revealed that an extensive survey had shown 45 heavy vehicle movements a day through the Staveley area by one firm's lorries. Also, there were 26 vehicles a day from the same firm travelling to and from the A61 direct, avoiding Staveley.

Highway chiefs suggested modifying the zone to prevent most heavy lorries passing through Staveley by removing weight restrictions between Burton Leonard and Wormald Green.

Pressing the case for action, Staveley Residents' Group chairman Bernard Atkinson said pictures of an accident on the Burton Leonard-Copgrove road illustrated the problems. He said the roads were unsuitable for heavy lorries.

But a spokesman for Burton Leonard Parish Council expressed concern about the suggestion that all heavy lorries from one depot would have to use the road between Wormald Green and Burton Leonard. He said this would have a detrimental effect.

County Councillor Heather Garnett expressed concern that the change would mean a further increase in heavy traffic through Killinghall, where campaigners hope a bypass will alleviate the problem.

But councillors voted to consult on revoking the existing restrictions between Burton Leonard and Wormald Green.