TOWN councillors have pledged £10,000 towards a scheme to revamp their main street.

The money will pay for four crossing points on Long Street in Easingwold.

It is part of a long-awaited enhancement project for the street, which before the bypass was built was the town's link with the A19 York to Thirsk road.

As reported in the Evening Press, the long-awaited scheme has been pared down because of a cash crisis facing the county council.

It was feared the county, faced with cutting £2.3m from its highways budget alone next year, would be unable to pay to have the pavement in Long Street laid with flag stones and for crossing points on the road.

The flag stones have been removed from the scheme, but last night town councillors stepped in to offer £10,000 to Hambleton District Council to keep the crossings intact.

The final budget for the project, first estimated at £300,000, is now likely to be closer to £200,000.

Councillors were also told the trees planned to line Long Street might have to be removed from the scheme because their roots could cause damage and falling leaves could be a hazard to pedestrians.

Coun Chris Jones expressed concern over the watering down of the project.

He said: "This is called an enhancement scheme, but what we seem to be getting is a utilitarian scheme.

"Trees would have looked nice, but because of problems, we have to get rid of them. Flag stones would have been nice, but we have to get rid of them.

"The scheme will make it better for shoppers and parking, but won't make the town any more attractive. The whole idea of this was to make it nicer."

Coun Nigel Knapton said the aim should not be to "prettify" Long Street.

He said: "I was horrified at trying to pretty-up Long Street. The Market Place is Georgian and Uppleby is very nice. Long Street is a working street. It is the utilitarian issue which is important. I like the idea we won't be putting in flower tubs and different coloured surfaces. I like the idea it is going to be a safer and tidier street."

Town Mayor Geoff Ellis said he hoped work on the scheme would start by next February.

He said: "Long Street is very important and desirable for the benefit Easingwold, both highway users and residents."

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