NEW facilities which will help North Yorkshire pedestrians and cyclists will be brought into operation in two towns from tomorrow.

Harrogate and Knaresborough will receive three new crossings to assist in pedestrian movements and encourage journeys on foot rather than by car.

At Harrogate a new puffin crossing has been provided in West Park, near its junction with Tower Street.

The need for the crossing was identified by parents of children attending St Peter's School.

A toucan crossing for pedestrians and cyclists has been built at Hookstone Chase, near its junction with Eleanor Road.

At Knaresborough, a puffin crossing has recently been commissioned to replace the existing zebra crossing in Stockwell Road, outside Castle School.

Coun Michael Newby, cabinet member for public works, said: "Our top priority is to reduce road traffic accidents .

"These new facilities which have been identified by our local children will do just that."

Updated: 09:35 Monday, February 17, 2003