THE road through Settle town centre will be closed for three weeks in October forcing heavy lorries to use the bypass and Buckhaw Brow to reach their destinations.

Now, the Trucks Out of Settle Action Group is arguing that if the route is good enough for three weeks it should be used permanently by quarry wagons, with the quarry companies footing the bill for any extra cost incurred by drivers avoiding the centre of Settle.

"This is the route we think they should be taking anyway," said Andrew Fawcett, of the action group. "If they can take it for three weeks, why can't they take it in the future and keep out of the town? There are only really economic reasons why the trucks go through the town.

"We are not trying to get at the truck drivers," he added. "We believe it is the quarry owners who ought to be responsible and make sure their quarries are reached by the best means."

Truck drivers argue that using Settle bypass and Buckhaw Brow to get to the quarries at Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Helwith Bridge and Giggleswick adds significant extra mileage to their journeys and the resultant cost could put small hauliers out of business.

They are also concerned that this longer route takes them past local schools, along narrow roads and down a steep hill.

MP David Curry told the Herald the debate had been an issue ever since he became an MP.

"I can understand the feelings of people in Settle. I have been in touch with the county council about it and shall continue to try to find a sensible, modern solution to this. We need to reach some voluntary concordat which limits the noise and find a way through.

"I shall be talking to all the parties concerned. We have to find a way forward in which everyone can co-habit."