RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on controversial plans which could shape the future of Bedale as details of the new “gateway” car park are revealed.

Hambleton District councillor John Noone said they want as many people as possible to give their opinions about the scheme, which will stand alongside the new £34m bypass to encourage visitors into town.

The consultation is being carried out to decide if the new car park should be built at the junction of the new bypass to the north of the town and which of the two town centre car parks should be sold off to pay for it

A public event was held but Cllr Noone is hoping another one can be organised to get a bigger cross section of feelings.

He said: “This is a massive issue for the town. We did carry out consultations previously going back to 2002 but the world is a different place and Bedale is physically getting bigger.

“Parking has become a big issue and we want to get as many people as possible to come forward and tell us what they think and what they want.

“The auction centre car park in the town centre is 75 per cent under-used, we have to look at this. That’s why we need as much feedback as we can get, the more the better.

“We are getting strong views on both sides and it’s important that we get a good cross section of opinion from the people who live here and the people who will be affected.”

Work on the new 4.8 kilometre relief road is due to start in the next few months with completion in summer 2016. A key concern for Bedale has been that town centre traders and businesses will be badly hit with many visitors bypassing the town and not stopping to shop or visit local cafes.

The new car park is designed to encourage people to stop and explore and the original plans were for a 200-space car park with room for ten coaches, but now it’s been reduced to 100 car spaces and six coaches.

Hambleton Council says the town is currently well provided for in terms of parking with over 300 spaces on non-market days.

Comment forms are available from the Tourist Information Centre next to Bedale Hall, or online at hambleton.gov.uk/bedalegateway .