RELIEF for residents in the Carleton Road area of Skipton could be in sight as plans for the upgrade of Engine Shed Lane near completion.

Craven District Council hopes to upgrade both Engine Shed Lane, and Ings Lane, and create a direct link to the A629 Skipton bypass.

Officers have been in discussion with North Yorkshire's highways authority and have reached an agreement in principle on the designs.

David Smurthwaite, Craven District Council’s strategic manager, said: “This investment in Engine Shed Lane will reduce the number of heavy goods vehicles travelling through the town centre and residential areas, and improve pedestrian safety. The project will also bring forward the development of more land for employment, which is much needed in the area."

The project is part of the £4.68 million Skipton Employment and Housing Growth scheme, which is being funded by the government’s Growth Deal scheme via the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership.

It is planned that the creation of the new link to the bypass will divert HGV traffic away from the town centre. Engine Shed Lane itself, which currently has no pedestrian footpath, even though it it is the access road to Sandylands Sports Centre, will be made more pedestrian friendly with the creation of a footpath and street lighting.

Craven Council also plans to relocate its waste depot from Engine Shed Lane.

Mr Smurthwaite added: “We’re working closely with North Yorkshire County Council, businesses, developers, landowners and local residents, to make sure this scheme delivers the best outcomes for the district.”

Further stages of the growth project are set to see the improvement of pedestrian routes from the railway station to the town centre, including the canal towpath, and plans will be worked up for the redevelopment of the area surrounding the railway station.

The government has allocated funding for the project to the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership, which has been earmarked for Skipton.