CAR parks across Hambleton are set to get a makeover after councillors approved a £550,000 investment this week.

The funding allocation marks the start of a two year improvement programme across the five market towns of Northallerton, Thirsk, Bedale, Stokesley and Easingwold.

Parking bays will be made bigger, electric car charging points installed and new payment methods introduced at the pay and display machines.

Signage will also be updated, and additional CCTV cameras and automatic number plate recognition devices will be brought in to increase security.

Hambleton’s full council approved a recommendation from the authority’s cabinet for the £550,000 improvement programme, along with a further £400,000 for future maintenance.