MANUALLY controlled temporary lights at roadworks on the A59 between Skipton and Broughton have helped with peak time traffic flow this week.

A replacement minibus service has also been laid on for those living in Broughton Road after the roadworks meant normal buses having to make a detour.

Work started on Monday, last week, to Inghey Bridge, involving the temporary closure of the Broughton Road, local traffic junction, and the reduction of traffic to single lane only on the A59.

The work, which is expected to last for another month, resulted in long delays for commuters heading towards Skipton, some of who tried to divert via Carleton, only to come across the temporary closure of Limehouse Lane.

Skipton ward councillor, Andy Solloway, said Broughton Road residents, used to catching the Pendle buses into town, had effectively been cut off.

Following his intervention, the council has laid on a replacement bus service to run throughout the length of the work, three times a day from Monday to Friday.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire County Council said: "Following the closure of the A59/Broughton Road junction and the loss of bus services along Broughton Road, we have arranged minibus cover to maintain access to essential services for residents of Broughton Road."

The spokesman added traffic lights would be operated manually during peak times, and work was still expected to last the full six weeks.

And, although re-painting of the hatched area of the Broughton Road junction is not included in the work, it will be considered.

Drainage work on Limehouse Lane, Carleton, had taken longer than expected, but it is hoped it will be completed by the end of this week.

The Broughton Road replacement bus service needs to be booked in advance on 01609 533877 between 10 am and 12 midday the day before. Journeys into and out of the town centre cost £1 per journey.