RADICAL plans for a one-way loop system around Skipton Town Centre have been drawn up to try to reduce the number of accidents caused on narrow roads and pavements.

County Councillor Mike Doyle said he wanted to see action to improve Skipton's traffic network and was fed up of waiting for the Traffic Management Working Party, which had met about four times in two-and-a-half years, to do something.

Skipton has developed from an industrial town to a predominantly residential and commercial centre, increasing the amount of traffic in the centre. Coun Doyle said the answer to the traffic chaos was to restrain traffic movement by setting up a loop system.

He began his scheme at the most dangerous road in Skipton - the town centre end of Newmarket Street.

"Car wing mirrors regularly clip people walking on the pavement. One day somebody will be dragged under a lorry. There is not room on this road for two-way traffic. It has to go one way," said Coun Doyle.

From this point Coun Doyle developed a loop system along Swadford Street, which would remain two way, and into Coach Street.

The loop would continue onto Water Street, right onto Mill Bridge towards the roundabout at the top of High Street, onto The Bailey and back down Rectory Lane to finish on Newmarket Street.

"Loops are used around many town centres. They are safe if traffic moves slowly and pedestrian facilities are good," said Mr Doyle.

He added that if the roads were converted to a one-way system, narrow pavements such as those on Newmarket Street, Mill Bridge, and at the bottom of The Bailey could be widened.

The next stage of the plan tackled Skipton's parking problems.

"Town centre residential streets are parked up by commuters who would complain loudly if someone did the same to them. Residential areas are not free car parks and need protection," said Coun Doyle.

He suggested that paid-for residents' only permits and an increase in the cost of long stay car parking permits could increase income for new efficient car parks. "Former Skipton sergeant Tom Smart talked about a multi-storey car park on Cavendish Street with balconies overlooking the canal and a bridge over to Waller Hill car park where shop-mobility could be provided," said Coun Doyle.

Finally Coun Doyle wanted residents and businesses to decide what they wanted to do with the High Street. "Some people want it pedestrianised, some want it one way, some want to keep it two way. My view, for what it is worth, is that we need to use the High Street appropriately. At night, two way traffic and parking on the setts makes sense.

"On market days the High Street would benefit from being free of traffic. On Tuesdays and Thursdays parking on the setts by traditional shoppers from the villages and farms helps keep Skipton their economic centre, but should there also be through traffic?"

Coun Doyle said these issues needed addressing and a copy of his plans had been given to North Yorkshire Highways.

He added that a residents' questionnaire had been produced by the county council but not sent out. "I don't know when the county council will get round to carrying out the survey they promised in September - another broken promise."