CAMPAGINERS for a bypass on the A66 through Kirkby Thore are stepping up their fight.

The action committee is preparing a newsletter to be distributed to every household in the village to provide an update on the committee has been doing. A letter for residents to sign and send to the local MP, supporting the campaign, will be circulated with the newsletter.

Campaigners are also launching a fund-raising initiative to finance their activities. Whilst the group received an initial grant from the Parish Council, and has sponsorship for its website, members need to raise more funds to continue their campaign. Hire of the village hall, signs, posters, newsletters and postage have to be paid for and funds are getting low.

"BYPASS KIRKBY THORE NOW" signs have been placed beside all approach roads to the village. In addition, car stickers are available at a cost of 25p from KTTSG members to spread the message. The income from the sale of the stickers will help to fund the campaign.

A spokesperson for the action group said: "The feedback we receive from residents of Kirkby Thore, and motorists using the A66, is important to us. We cannot represent your views and pursue the objective without your contributions and support. If you would like to get more actively involved in the campaign, please contact us. You can find out more on our website at http://www.ktbypass.co.

"We would also like to say thank you' to Kirkby Thore Parish Council for its financial contribution of £200 towards the costs encountered by this group. We are grateful to Malcolm Ridley Ltd for the financial contribution and time given to the development of the website and also thank David and Rose at the Bridge End Inn for kindly allowed us to use the lounge for our meetings and we are very appreciative of their gesture."

An environmental survey of the village and the impact of the A66 is currently being carried out by Capita in the fields in the vicinity of the village.

May 21, 2003 15:30