News in brief

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Council offers free lifts

Commuters in part of North Yorkshire are being offered a free lift to their local railway station.

The county council is funding free rides to Micklefield station on its Stationlink service for one month starting on Tuesday.

Stationlink operates from Sherburn-in-Elmet and surrounding villages to connect with Leeds rush hour trains.

It is hoped the free offer will result in more passengers choosing not to drive to Micklefield station.

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Rural churches band to form new parish

Ten rural Church of England parishes in North Yorkshire are joining forces.

The East Richmond Team Ministry brings together the parishes of Great Smeaton, Middleton Tyas, the Cowtons, Barton, Manfield, and Cleasby with Stapleton.

A team of clergy and lay people, led by Rev Alan Glasby, will work across the new parish which serves of population of about 5,000.

The new arrangement will be celebrated at a service in Middleton Tyas attended by the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds

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Village slams 'laughable' safety scheme

More than 170 people have signed a petition criticising a new road safety scheme in a North Yorkshire village.

Work on the main road through Cayton, in Scarborough, was completed in December last year but has been described as "laughable" by locals.

They say the scheme, which includes a chicane where people say they can not see on-coming traffic, has caused frustration and road rage among drivers.

County councillors are due to discuss their concerns and possible solutions.