RYEDALE councillors have rejected plans to improve the A64 for falling way short of the mark - unless dual carriageway is adopted along the York to Scarborough stretch.

In a report to the district council's policy and resources committee meeting last night, assistant chief executive Julian Rudd said: "Although we welcome what has been put forward, we would have to throw significant doubt on what this can achieve without dualling."

His report stated: "The experience of the users of the A64 within Ryedale is of several accident blackspots, certain dangerous junctions and bends, significant congestion and frustration in the summer months and holidays, and conflict with slow-moving traffic."

Coun Alan Farnaby said he welcomed the response.

He said: "I do believe that what we have got here as a response from Ryedale is excellent."

Coun Keith Orrell said the Route Management Strategy put forward by the Highways Agency only served to delay the improvement work longer.

He said: "We don't need any more strategies - we had plans to dual the A64 seven years ago and nothing came of them."

Mr Rudd said that Ryedale MP John Greenway had invited council officers to accompany him when he meets Transport Minister David Jamieson.

Mr Greenway will be outlining the view that the A64 should be upgraded to dual carriageway standard, particularly the stretch between York and Malton.

Updated: 11:47 Friday, April 19, 2002