RESIDENTS in Skipton's Broughton Road area want to know why they have been singled out for a washing line ban.

A group of seven homeowners, who had received letters from North Yorkshire County Council banning them from hanging out washing on their back streets, tried to obtain an answer from Craven Area Committee.

Thornton Street resident Margaret Hicks told the chairman Irene Greaves: "Four streets have been singled out to receive a letter telling them that they can't peg out.

"There's no reason why just four streets in North Yorkshire should be stopped.

"We just don't understand why the council has picked on our streets. Just one man does not like washing to be pegged out."

Coun Greaves told the group that a report would be compiled taking evidence from both parties for the next meeting in July.

Coun Mike Doyle said that legislation relating to the Skipton residents would have ramifications across the county.