THE opening of a bypass and car park is to be marked with the creation of a new piece of artwork.

Council chiefs are planning to commission an “iconic” of art to welcome visitors to Bedale when the new developments open next year.

Hambleton is currently exploring the possibility of grant aid from the Arts Council – and if funding is possible will consult the local communities of Bedale and the surrounding area on its design.

“It is important for businesses in Bedale that as many vehicles as possible heading to and from the Dales stop in our new car park and explore this historic town,” said the authority’s deputy leader Cllr Peter Wilkinson.

“In order to encourage this we want to make the gateway to the town as attractive, welcoming and interesting as possible – and we hope a piece of public art will help this.”

He said that while the £612,000 cost of the 100-space car park was being funded by the district council, it was hoped the artwork would be funded from external sources.

The council’s executive director Dave Goodwin added: “Around our district there are already many good examples where we have used public art to good effect in waymarking, reducing anti-social behaviour and creating focal points for communities.

“We want to create something appropriate for Bedale – something that will become a talking point and encourage people to stop and explore the market town.”

The car park next to the under-construction Bedale to Leeming Bar relief road will include provision for caravans and coaches and should be completed by the time the road opens.