WORK to restore a Market Place that visitors have previously complained of as being ‘unsightly’ is progressing well.

The work on Ripon Market Place started in early September and means that an eight-week road closure is in place.

Contractors are removing the existing blocks, excavating and reinstating the sub-surface and reinstating the paving blocks.

Some carriageway resurfacing is also being done.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, North Yorkshire County Council’s Executive Member for Highways, said: ”We would like to assure residents and visitors that Ripon will be open for business during the work. We’ll do all we can to maintain access to properties and businesses and to keep disruption to a minimum.

“But the work is ultimately good news for Ripon as we have long received complaints that this side of the Market Place is unsightly in this historic city, and these improvements will remedy that.”

Councillor Stuart Martin, who represents the Ripon South division on the county council, said: "The road west of Market Place is in a poor condition and these repairs need to be carried out.

"There is never a good time to carry out major road repairs, but the important thing for the city is that the work is completed as quickly as possible to the highest possible standard, keeping disruption to traders, visitors and residents to an absolute minimum."

The road closure is affecting the western side of the Market Place and a diversion is in operation.