Creative chance for Army veterans
IMPROVEMENT WORKS costing £320,000 to the canal waterfront in Skipton town centre will bring it back to its best after years of decline, according to a senior councillor.
Members of Craven District Council’s Policy Committee have approved plans for a host of improvements including resurfacing and widening the towpath and replacing, relaying and repointing the York stone flags.
The project, funded by the Local Growth Fund and awarded by the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership, will also see more seating, bollards, litter bins and signage added.
Coun Simon Myers, of Craven District Council, said in a statement: “The Leeds Liverpool Canal waterfront is a crucial part of Skipton town centre, attracting visitors to the town and providing a traffic-free route to residential, educational and leisure services in Skipton.
“The quality of the canal environment in the town centre has naturally declined over the years and it is time improvements were made. Skipton needs to maintain the attractive waterfront that residents and visitors expect.
“We consulted with residents on the proposed works and we are confident that this scheme will enhance the beautiful environment in Skipton town centre.”
The final scheme was produced by landscape architects Newground, with 60 people responding to a consultation.
The council says its Director of Services will now aim to get permission from the relevant agencies so the scheme can go ahead. During the meeting this week, councillors also agreed that an additional £140,000 of the Local Growth Fund money should be used to part-fund towpath improvements along the section of canal next to Broughton Road.
Craven District Council has already agreed to contribute £225,000 to improve the stretch of towpath between Gargrave and Kildwick, and the Government is currently considering a bid for £1.46m to improve this section of the canal path.
Army veterans are invited to a creative writing session hosted by the actress and author Irene Lofthouse.
She will be at Catterick Sports Pavilion on Wednesday for a free event aimed at people aged 65 and over.
It is part of Richmondshire District Council’s Healthy Horizons veterans’ programme.
Those who visit the council’s Pop-up Shed between 10am and 3pm can also to take part in mosaic tile-making.