The canal waterfront in Skipton is set to become the town's main route for people on foot.

A consultation exercise with residents and visitors has revealed that a main concern is that lighting should be installed along the length of the town-centre towpath to create a safe walkway for children.

The feedback comes after a proposed package of improvements was revealed by Craven District Council and British Waterways.

The facelift looks likely to be one of the biggest Skipton has seen for years. It includes: resurfacing about a mile of towpath, installing new seating, and landscaping forgotten areas for recreation and displays of public art.

Craven District Council has earmarked £100,000 for the £160,000 project, to come from the Government's Capital Challenge Programme. Other funding may come from British Waterways and work should start after Christmas.

Councillor Beth Graham, chairman of the council's community service committee, said: "The canal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Skipton, and potentially one of the town's best assets.

"These improvements will provide an accessible, safe and attractive pedestrian route between the town centre and Aireville Park for tourists, residents and schoolchildren.

"The canal improvements will link the recently upgraded sports facilities in the park with the town, making Skipton a great location for leisure, sport and recreation."

David Blackburn, of British Waterways, said there had been a steady stream of people viewing proposals for the area.

"All sorts of people were interested, from canal boat-trip companies to visitors from abroad."

Lighting of the canal towpaths had been stressed by those wanting to ensure the safety of their children walking to and from school in the winter, he said.

"Craven District Council is certainly keen that lighting is included because they see the towpath as a good pedestrian route through the town."

Work should start in the new year after detailed designs have been approved.

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