PLANS to transform a cluttered town square into a thriving pedestrian area have moved a step closer.

Changes to land in front of the town hall, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, would extend the existing paved area.

Project leaders hope the square would become a focal point in the town centre, which could be used more often for entertainment and community events.

It is thought that any work to improve the area would not take place until the new year.

Members of Hambleton District Council yesterday agreed make a £10,000 contribution to the £70,000 project, which will be delivered by Northallerton Town Council.

In a report to members of the district council’s cabinet committee, head of community services Mick Jewitt wrote: “The area is small and cluttered with various elements of street furniture.

“Enhancement of the area through improvements to the layout, surfacing and possible expansion could provide a more flexible and high-quality heart to the town.

“It would be a focus point in the town.”

At this stage, two potential designs are being considered for the land, which used to house public toilets.

The site also includes a number of parking spaces.

Mr Jewitt said: “Both schemes will be designed to have minimal impact on car parking. The smaller scheme will be designed so as to have no effect on parking.

“The larger scheme would involve a reconfiguration of car parking spaces, but no loss of numbers.

Town and district councillor David Blades urged members of the cabinet to support the scheme.

He said: “Nothing has happened on the site in the past ten years, since the toilets were filled in.

“The square is well past its sell-by date, and a redevelopment is well overdue.”