THE canal waterfront in Skipton is set to become the town's main artery for pedestrian traffic.

Following a consultation with residents and visitors, one of the main concerns voiced was that lighting should be installed along the length of the town centre towpath to open up a safe walkway for school-children.

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

The major facelift looks likely to be one of the biggest Skipton has seen for years and includes resurfacing around a mile of towpath, installing new seating and landscaping forgotten areas for recreation and displaying 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 Craven District Council's community services 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."

Apart from enhancing the actual towpath, peripheral improvements form part of the plan, like a pleasant seating and art display area opposite the existing benches at the canal basin.

David Blackburn, of British Waterways, said: "We had a steady stream of people coming in to the town hall to see our plans and heard some very positive comments.

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

"The issue which caused the most interest was the lighting of the canal towpaths.

"It isn't lit at the moment and many people would welcome such a move, especially to ensure the safety of their children walking to and from school in the winter.

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

"Such a move is unlikely to be in place before winter 1999 and we would have to ensure we didn't cause any light spillage on to canalside properties.

"Shortly we will be holding a meeting with council officers and then appointing a firm to do a detailed design of the plans, ready for the work to start in the new year."

Following the consultation exercise, the next step is for the final scheme to be presented to the community services committee on Wednesday October 28 for members' views.

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