DETERMINED Sherburn residents have vowed to continue their fights against controversial village issues to the end.

The Selby District Council case against developer GMS Rawfield, which built new homes on the former Squire's Milk Bar site and blocked a public right of way that runs through it more than a year ago, is currently going through the courts and councillors are hopeful of a swift resolution.

Coun Mike Jordan said: "Witness statements have now been taken and we are now awaiting the court's decision. We are extremely hopeful access will be granted and the footpath can then be re-opened immediately.

"Many people have asked me for an update lately, and I just want to say they haven't been forgotten, and although progress has been slow, we're very close to the end of this battle."

Coun Jordan and Moor Lane resident Charlie Sinclair (pictured) have also both organised and submitted petitions against the diversion of HGVs away from South Milford and through Sherburn to district councillors.

The North Yorkshire County Council 18-month trial has been met with fierce criticism since its introduction on March 3, with residents claiming confused lorry drivers trying to reach the nearby industrial estate are using narrow residential streets as well as roads outside the village high school, affecting their quality of life.

The initiative forces HGVs weighing more than 7.5 tonnes to use Moor Lane at Sherburn to access the A162, instead of travelling along Low Street and over speed humps in South Milford, between 5.30 and 10am and 3.30 and 6pm.

Residents are now planning a rally similar to the one held last May when hundreds of villagers turned out to peacefully protest against the blocked footpath in the hope of highlighting the problem and raising further objections. (d2576a7813) Picture: Natalie Jubb