A MECCA for thousands of Yorkshire motorcyclists is to spend about £100,000 so that bikers can camp overnight.

The new scheme planned for Squire's Milk Bar at Newthorpe, near Sherburn-in-Elmet, also includes doubling parking space so it can accommodate 2,000 motorbikes.

A new shower and toilet block will also be built if the plans get the go-ahead from Selby District Council. Milk bar boss Harry Weston said he did not want a repeat of what happened earlier this year when more than 3,000 bikers descended on the caf, bringing traffic chaos to rural roads and nearby villages.

Police had to be called in and promised to pay "special attention" to the bikers' favourite haunt after dozens of cars and motorcycles blocked the road leading to the caf.

Mr Weston said: "It was total gridlock and we're determined it won't happen again. We have also bought two-and-a-half acres of land on the opposite side of the road, which we hope to develop for car parking. This again should alleviate the horrendous traffic problems we have experienced this year."

He said that land set aside behind the caf would accommodate up to 30 tents so that bikers from all over the country and abroad could stay overnight.

Mr Weston said: "We get members of the French Honda Owners Club coming here, as well as Vincent owners from abroad and bikers from the Ace Caf, in London.

"If the plans are approved, they will soon be able to stay overnight with proper facilities. They will then be able to enjoy a full English breakfast in the morning before continuing on their travels.

"Motorbiking is becoming more of a leisure pastime and people are staying at the caf for hours on end, admiring other bikes and chatting to other bikers."

"The new motorcycle parking area, shower block and camp site are all at the back of the caf. They will be well hidden from the road and we are hoping for the full support of Selby District Council."

Updated: 11:38 Thursday, November 21, 2002