Consultations approve town improvements

The original proposals for Easingwold – announced two years ago by North Yorkshire County Council and including re-laying the market place’s cobbles and introducing parking restrictions – were revised after a furious reaction from residents.

The amended £200,000 works, which are to start on Monday March 7, were drawn up following consultations with residents, businesses, Easingwold Town Council, the Easingwold Market Place working group, and English Heritage. High quality York stone will be used.

Councillor Peter Sowray, who represents the area on North Yorkshire county council, said: “This has been going on for several years and we have been in deep discussions with the county council. Now these proposals have the full support of the town council and many residents and businesses.”

The work, which will be spread over two phases, includes new footways, crossing points and cycle parking stands as well as a new information board and bus boarding facilities.

The first phase will take a month and the second stage will begin in September.

The county council executive member for highways, Coun Gareth Dadd, said: “It is inevitable that while this work is being carried out, there will be some inconvenience and disruption.

“However access will be maintained wherever possible, and I would ask the people of Easingwold to bear with us while we deliver this important package of improvements.”