SAFETY fears over a new GPs' surgery are to be tackled in proposals for a new crossing.

A nine-year campaign to build a replacement surgery at Colburn is finally coming to fruition after North Yorkshire Health Authority agreed to fund the project.

But the decision to site the centre next to a lorry park on Catterick Road has prompted fears that patients could be at risk from having to cross the busy carriageway.

Now health officials and local authorities have agreed to consider providing a pedestrian crossing.

David Smith, co-chairman of the Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Group, said they were aware of concerns over the surgery's location.

He said: "There are some people who have reservations but that is certainly the preferred site and our expectation is it will go ahead.

"We are conscious that it is a busy road and potentially dangerous for pedestrians. We would ideally encourage people to walk to their GP rather than bring their car. But there will be serious consideration given to installing a crossing at some stage."

A new crossing could be part of a scheme to extend the cycleway in Catterick Garrison.

He said more people were pleased with the location of the new surgery than those who were unhappy with it.

"We have to address the concerns people have and we are determined to do that. We will find a way of getting people safely across the road."

Lynn Miller, who represents Colburn on Richmondshire District Council, said they were in talks with county council officials over the possibility of creating a crossing to the surgery.

She said: "The majority of people in Colburn are delighted with the fact that they're going to get an up-to-date surgery.

"It is something that we have been working towards for the past nine years. We appreciate it is a busy road but we are working towards getting a pedestrian crossing."

An application for planning permission for the new surgery is expected to be submitted within the next few weeks and if it is approved work could start before Christmas.