A TEAM set up to promote a dales town says their work is now starting to see benefits for local business.

In February 2013, Leyburn received a £10,000 grant from the Department of Communities and Local Government. This money led to the establishment of a Town Team comprising of a diverse mix of individuals, each with their own area of expertise and experience.

Kate Loughlin business and community officer at Richmondshire District Council initially set up the group and continued to provide admin support. One of their first major projects was to create free Wi Fi throughout the town centre. Since then, they have continued to provide initial funding for a number of projects that helped increase spend in the town. Other successful ideas that came to fruition were bike racks, an events leaflet, cycle leaflets and a shopping directory.

Their latest success is the installation of several notice boards and finger posts in the Market Place and public car park.

The team is looking to wind up later this year when a steering group for the town plan comes into effect.

Mrs Loughlin said: “The Town Team have achieved so much which has benefited local businesses and tourism.

“However, we still have a number of important projects on the go; we are to produce a video of Leyburn, maps and leaflets for the tourist information point and a walking and cycling festival next year.”