Skipton High Street is expected to be transformed into a continental style piazza for a weekend in a bid to encourage local people to see it in a different light.

As part of the town's renaissance project, a community planning weekend on July 11, 12 and 13 has been organised to discover how residents want to see the town develop over the coming years. The project could untap huge sums of money which could shape Skipton's social fabric and development for decades to come. However, if there is little interest, then the money will go to other towns.

On the 11th and 12th a marquee will be set up outside the town hall and on the Monday the High Street will be transformed into a European style piazza complete with funfair. The council intends to make a big impact and sees this as a way to encourage the town's residents to come forward and give their views.

The weekend is the next stage in Yorkshire Forward's Renaissance Market Town's Programme through which Skipton was selected as one of the first beneficiaries. It will receive a share of £2.8 million dedicated to drawing up long-term master plans for market towns and consultation exercises.

The first part in creating a blueprint for Skipton's future was launched at an action planning day when local people were asked to come up with development ideas. On Tuesday their thoughts will be fed back to a team meeting in Skipton Castle from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Everyone is invited.

Speaking at a local Area Forum meeting, Coun Paul English said: "We must try to envisage what we want Skipton to be in the future for our children, our grandchildren and for the generations that follow.

"It is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and there is money sloshing about. I promise you that after this event you will be able to look at Skipton in a whole new light."

The High Street will not be closed for the whole of the community planning weekend, but arrangements are being made to ban traffic on Saturday night and part of Sunday.