I fully support those demanding safety improvements at the A65/A6131 junction on the edge of Skipton.

I first raised my concern long before I was a Councillor after I had a crash at the junction and a former colleague was very seriously injured there.

I have since raised my concerns again at the Craven Planning Committee which approved the development of the “pig field” on Harrogate Road, which I opposed. The junction is dangerous now and this will only worsen if over 200 houses are built nearby.

The longer term solution is surely a roundabout.

However, there is a short term change that can be made relatively easily to at least reduce the distractions.

The right-hand turn from the east-bound side of the A65 into Skipton should be blocked off and traffic required to go to the roundabout at the A59/A65 junction and come back to the Skipton turning.

I hope serious consideration will be given urgently to reducing the risk at this junction.

JOHN DAWSON Craven District and Skipton Town Councillor, Skipton North