PLANS for a zebra crossing as part of a proposed traffic calming scheme at Great Ayton have been shelved because of public objections.

North Yorkshire County Council had wanted the crossing at the junction of Guisborough Road and High Street, where the high number of pedestrians include primary school children. It had been concluded that this was the safest place for the crossing.

During consultations, however, a number of strong objections were received, mainly about the effect of the crossing on the conservation area, although some people challenged the chosen site for road safety reasons.

When it met at Sowerby on Tuesday, the county committee for Hambleton was told that traffic managers did not accept that the crossing would be a road safety hazard but they accepted that people had genuine concerns.

They had intended to consult on an alternative site near the church, close to the junction of Guisborough Road and Linden Avenue, until a councillor pointed out that this was also likely to be contentious and less satisfactory in meeting pedestrian demand.

County committee members agreed that the zebra crossing should be deferred until the traffic calming scheme was completed and a monitoring exercise conducted.

Mr Chris Millns, head of environmental enhancement, said the crossing might not be needed if the other traffic calming elements were as successful as the council hoped in reducing vehicle speeds. Flashing school patrol warning signs were to be installed on approaches to the originally chosen crossing site.