Overhaul vision realised for square

Now local organisations and businesses are being urged to make use of Northallerton’s newly completed town square, which boasts improvements to the paved area and new seating.

Hambleton District Council’s partnership officer Peter Cole said: “It’s really open to anybody who wants to promote what they do and raise awareness in the community of what they are doing and perhaps encourage people to take part.”

The need for improvements to the square, which is situated in front of the town hall, were first identified in the Northallerton Renaissance Market Town Masterplan, commissioned by the Northallerton and Villages Community Forum in April 2004.

The report recommended that environmental enhancements should be carried out “to improve the public realm, increase pavement spaces, improve the setting of the town hall, create a focus and public square for the town and provide a high street focal point for visitors”.

Mr Cole said: “It’s been a long haul but we have got there. The members of the steering committee didn’t give up they kept going and the result is something that the people involved can be proud of. The feedback from local residents and businesses has been really positive.”

The improvements, which cost £35,000, were the result of a partnership between Northallerton Town Council, Hambleton District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and the Northallerton and Villages Community Forum.

“Hopefully over time it will be used as much as possible and will encourage people to come into Northallerton and spend time in what is a much more attractive part of the town to sit and have dinner and talk to friends,” Mr Cole added.