SIR - It's very concerning that the public consultation on the re-alignment of the A59 at Kex Gill is being held in Norwood, implying that this is a very local issue, rather than a strategic regional one.

It is ironic that this consultation, for what its worth, simply proves the case for this new road being built now, as Craven's population will find it difficult to get to, it being held on the other side of Kex Gill to us.

I'm sure that for the majority of Craven's residents and businesses badly affected by this closure, the re-alignment of this main West-East route cannot come fast enough and I can't help feeling that had this situation been in the South East of England, it would have been funded and sorted years ago.

It is an imbalance that the so-called Northern Powerhouse was supposed to address.

Others as well as myself have been lobbying our MPs over this.

It is now time for national Government to step up and help fund this vital route across the county and the country.

Cllr Andy Solloway, North Yorkshire County and Craven District Council, Sunmoor Drive, Skipton