A CONTROVERSIAL package of traffic-calming measures - including a 20mph zone, kerb build-outs and speed-tables - is to go ahead in Tadcaster.

County councillors claim the moves, which have been approved by the authority's Selby Area Committee, will make it safer for both pedestrians and motorists.

But the proposals have come under heavy fire from some residents and business leaders, concerned about problems of noise and vibration when heavy vehicles pass over speed cushions and bumps.

There are also fears that the scheme might prejudice separate plans to redevelop the town's streetscape.

Estate agent Brian Bartle, whose business is in Bridge Street, one of the affected streets, claimed the scheme would be a "complete waste of money" in a town where traffic rarely went faster than 20mph anyway because of traffic jams and traffic lights.

Coun Brian Percival, who chairs Selby District Council's Economy Board as well as owning Tadcaster Business Centre, claimed speed bumps or cushions would be unsightly and also an encouragement to "boy racers to challenge them in a chicane fashion".

He also said they would have an adverse structural impact on buildings and adverse noise consequences for offices and shops in the area.

He said emerging streetscape proposals for Tadcaster would entail the narrowing of Bridge Street through the enhancement of on-street car parking, which would have a considerable impact on traffic. "Cushions and bumps will be an unnecessary distraction to that streetscape."

Gordon Spencer, deputy-chairman of Tadcaster's Renaissance Town Team, claimed the county council had made a unilateral decision after failing to listen to residents' concerns.

He claimed the public money spent would be wasted if the new streetscape proposals went ahead. He said: "We are looking to a joined-up approach to Tadcaster issues."

But Coun Gillian Ivey, the area committee chairwoman, said there had been extensive consultation and deliberation since proposals were originally set out in 2003, and a number of cushions had been moved to ensure they did not cause a problem for particular properties.

"We have listened carefully to all the points raised by the various interested parties, and we believe the package we have now approved will be of enormous benefit in making Tadcaster a far safer and more pleasant environment for everyone."

She said New Street and Centre Lane would remain within the 20mph zone, but without the speed cushions originally proposed, which would be replaced by road markings.

Proposed speed cushions in High Street and Bridge Street were being replaced by kerb build-outs and carriageway patches of contrasting colour and texture.

Proposed speed cushions at the eastern end of Tadcaster Bridge were being replaced by a speed table, with one benefit being that horse-drawn brewery drays would be able to pass by more easily.