MAJOR improvements to the links between Northallerton’s High Street and the town’s former prison site are being considered.

Hambleton councillors have given the go-ahead for a detailed scheme to be drawn up for changes to Zetland Street and two alleyways in the town – New Row and Central Arcade.

All three will be major pedestrian routes from the town centre to the 3.5 acre prison site – work on redeveloping that land and its five listed buildings is due to begin later this year with shops, restaurants, housing and leisure outlets all on the list of potential uses.

“When the prison site comes on line – and with the move of North Yorkshire Police to the neighbouring Alverton Court site - it is important that we create inviting and easily accessible connections from them to the town centre,” said the council’s deputy leader, Cllr Peter Wilkinson.

Proposals for Zetland Street will need to be agreed with the county council, but it could become single carriageway, have formalised loading bays, disabled parking spaces and bus stops.