TRAFFIC lights, dropped kerbs and cycle tracks could be coming to an East Yorkshire town in a bid to improve road safety.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council hopes to introduce a number of new traffic schemes to reduce congestion and improve safety in Pocklington this year.

Mike Featherby, a council officer responsible for traffic strategy, explained the plans to Pocklington town councillors at a road safety meeting. The proposals include changing the present mini roundabout at the front of Pocklington library to make it easier for pedestrians to cross the road. This alteration would see the first set of traffic lights in the town centre.

Mr Featherby also told the meeting about a cycle track, which is planned along West Green to the Pocklington Industrial Estate. The path between West Green and Barmby Road would be widened to make a combined cycle path and footpath.

Later this month the council will create 11 dropped kerbs for the disabled throughout the town centre and a pedestrian crossing outside Danbys shop in the Market Place. A better footpath to the caravan site on the Balk is also planned.

Mr Featherby said an extra standing area for parents waiting to collect their children would be created in London Street. Plans to widen the footpath in Garths End and to create a crossing from the Sherbuttgate Estate could see the introduction of a raised bed crossing to slow down traffic.

Deputy Mayor Coun George McManus welcomed the proposals.

He said: "These plans are obviously going to have a massive impact on the whole traffic situation in Pocklington. It is really exciting and good news for Pocklington."

Coun John Cox said: "We are absolutely delighted. Many of these things we have been asking for for some time. I am particularly pleased that they are going to introduce dropped kerbs for the disabled. Work on the kerbs is due to start next week and it should really improve disabled access in the town."

Updated: 08:31 Wednesday, March 26, 2003