Addingham Civic Society's major millennium project has been warmly welcomed by those who will be most affected by it.

The society has revealed its plan to drag George Street into the next century and end the grumbles of villagers who have to negotiate it on a daily basis.

Society members believe they have hit upon a suitable millennium scheme, something which will benefit the whole village.

Don Barrett, chairman of Addingham Civic Society, said: "George Street is the little road which goes along behind The Good Food Shop and the Post Office and everybody who has used it (which must mean most villagers) will have noticed the deteriorating surface with manhole covers becoming more and more raised and the asphalt breaking up to expose the old cobbles."

Mr Barrett said the scheme would be of benefit to those sections of the village, particularly at risk from a dangerous surface.

"It is becoming increasingly unsafe for all, but particularly for the elderly and mothers with young children who have to use it on their way to the Post Office. Why should people collecting their pension or child benefit have to face this ordeal?" he said.

The Civic Society has long expressed its determination to think of a millennium project which shows a little more imagination than a simple firework display or a big party.

George Street resident Nora Ridley said this week that the scheme was a welcome one and her support was echoed by Andrew Dufton, of the village post office. "I am in favour of the scheme and I know most people have fairly strong views on the subject," he said.

Pam Hartley is the proprietor of The Good Food Shop, on the corner of Main Street and George Street.

She said: "It is the most used 'beat' in Addingham and it is dangerous to walk on. I think it is a good idea for a project."

Elizabeth Hadfield lives at the bottom of George Street. While welcoming the civic society's proposals she said she would not like to see the whole street cobbled and the question remained of who was going to pay for the scheme.

Mr Barrett appealed for villagers to come up with ideas several months ago and the George Street scheme seems to have won their blessing judging by the comments he has received.

"George Street is a private road and therefore it is not the responsibility of the council to maintain it, but it is a vital highway for the community. Because of this it has long been an aim of the society to get it resurfaced to make it both safe and attractive," said Mr Barrett.

"Our plan is to surface it with a combination of York Stone paving and cobbles/sets. The longer it's left the worse it will get, but it will cost a lot of money to do it well," he said.

However, to carry out the project as they would like, funds are going to be needed. Mr Barrett was not prepared to reveal the exact cost, as the society was seeking quotes for the work. However, he admitted it would be 'several thousand pounds'.

He said: "We shall be approaching charities, businesses and individuals as well as running fundraising events to get the money."

Mr Barrett said contributions from villagers would be gratefully received, both large and small.

"Hopefully there will be some sort of plaque on the site of the project so villagers in years to come will be able to see how Addingham marked the millennium," he said.

Anyone wanting to support the scheme can contact Mr Barrett on 01943 830776. His e-mail address is:

don@adingham.force9.net.

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