PLANS to regenerate Northallerton’s town centre have won public support.

Local residents and businesses – and visitors – were asked for their views on a scheme to redevelop the current high street square as part of a £19.3m project to transform the town centre.

It will see the area in front of the town hall opened up to be used for events and leisure activities – and it will be linked to the new Treadmills development with improved paving and tree planting.

The setting of the Market Cross will be improved and seating and lighting will be replaced.

“We had almost 150 responses to our online consultation with the majority saying they were in favour of the proposals and are keen to see the heart of the town centre improved,” said Hambleton District Council leader, Councillor Mark Robson.

“The biggest concern was that some parking spaces will be lost but we believe those will be more than compensated for by the parking provision within the Treadmills development.

“This is an exciting scheme for Northallerton which will open up the town centre for cultural events and leisure opportunities.”

He said all the comments received have been considered in the designs where possible. Members of the council’s cabinet are expected to discuss the scheme at their meeting next month – they will be asked to approve the funding package and give the go ahead for work to start early next year.

The scheme will be match funded by the district council and the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.