Priority plea over buses

HIGHWAYS chiefs have been urged to make the Dales a priority when more low-loading buses begin operating on routes in North Yorkshire. A meeting of the county council's Richmondshire area committee was told that bus stops are to be spruced up throughout Wensleydale. However, members were told that higher kerbs, designed to make boarding less difficult for elderly people or people with mobility problems, could be difficult to install in some areas. As a result, Councillor Roger Harrison-Topham suggested Wensleydale should be given preference when the low-loading buses are assigned to routes in the countryside later this year.

NEW LIMITS: Croft's South Parade has been included on North Yorkshire County Council's priority list for 20mph speed limits. A meeting of the authority's Richmondshire area committee was told that Forest Drive, Colburn, remains top, with a new speed limit included in a £40,000 road safety project to be phased in over the next two years. In the meantime, Croft can also expect new signs and road markings, with a 20mph limit a possibility in future.

ROAD REPAIRS: Work to replace the carriageway on Skipton Road, Harrogate, between the Claro Road and Skipton Crescent junctions, will start on Monday, July 15.

Helmet stolen: Thieves stole a motorcycle crash helmet from a garage in Pasture Lane, Malton, at the weekend. Socket sets and a silver pressure washer were also taken in the raid.

DUCK DELIGHT: A duck race held on the river at Laverton, near Ripon, on Sunday raised £1,200 towards a new pavilion and sports area for the village's Highside playing fields.

Whist drive: A whist drive takes place at the Ings Garth community centre, Pickering, tomorrow, at 7pm, in aid of centre funds.

Fete date: A fete will be held at the Old Rectory, Hallgarth, Pickering, on Saturday, from 1pm.

Phone theft: A blue Nokia 8210 mobile phone was stolen from a jacket in a bar at Flamingo Land, near Malton on Sunday