Major new transport schemes are planned throughout North Yorkshire following the award of Government funding.

The £21 million Local Transport Plan (LTP) settlement will pave the way for a host of measures to be introduced over the next five years.

A network of cycle and pedestrian routes and an improved public transport infrastructure are among the proposals.

The LTP was prepared by the county council in partnership with users from the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The plan sets out a wide-ranging programme to tackle essential maintenance work to the road and bridge network and measures to improve local transport arrangements through better bus and rail links, traffic calming projects and park and ride schemes.

Mike Moore, for the council, says: "I am pleased the Government has recognised the need for realistic levels of funding to enable the county council to start to tackle the backlog of problems which have been building up.

"We have undertaken an extensive consultation exercise to involve local communities and other stakeholders in developing the LTP. Together with those partners we want to develop a more sustainable transport system."

Copies of the LTP can be seen in libraries and on the county council website at www.northyorks.gov.uk.