Walking routes to station set to be improved

Plans to improve walking and cycling routes around Thirsk railway station are being developed by North Yorkshire Council.

Despite being just under a mile (1.5km) apart there is no continuous safe walking and cycling route between the station and the town centre, according to cycling charity Sustrans.

The organisation said it was working with the council on proposals to upgrade the route on Green Lane and the A61.

A report for the authority said: "Low levels of train commuting and high car use from this area underline the need to improve sustainable transport options, particularly for residents with limited mobility."

The council said it wants to build better walking and cycling connections between the station and new homes in the Sowerby Gateway development.

Under the plans the crossing over the A61 would be improved and better access routes for wheelchairs, mobility aids and pushchairs would be created.

A proposed new footpath on Green Lane would also be extended to link up with a new route at Olivette Crescent, before crossing Station Road to the station, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Data from Sustrans found that 60% of people from the town commuted to work by car or van and that 19.5% of residents were ed as disabled, highlighting the need for more accessible routes.

The scheme is currently at the design stage and will be discussed at a council meeting on Wednesday.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.