A THREE-YEAR project that rejuvenated crumbling buildings in North Yorkshire market towns has been extended for another year.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been pumped into restoration projects in Kirkbymoorside, Malton, Norton and Pickering, through the Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (Hers).

The project was due to end this year, but council officials have announced an extension while a replacement initiative is set up.

North Yorkshire County Council's new champion for the historic environment, Councillor Heather Garnett, visited Kirkbymoorside's Sinh Ley Chinese takeaway to inspect repair work part-funded by the scheme.

She said: "English Heritage now plans to replace Hers with partnership schemes in conservation areas but, because there could be a slight delay in phasing in the new arrangements, the good news is that the Ryedale scheme is going to continue for another year.

"This is good news for North Yorkshire's market towns, which have unique examples of architecture that we must try to preserve. They can be crucial to the tourism industry and local economy."

The scheme saw £30,000-a-year allocated to designated areas in each of the four towns towards the repair of run-down buildings. Grants were then given to building owners towards the work.

Properties that benefited included Pickering Working Men's Club, the town's United Reform Church, plus Buckingham House and 8 Westgate, in Kirkbymoorside.

Ronnie Robertson, the council's principal conservation officer, said between 40 and 75 per cent of the work was paid for by the scheme, with the remainder from the building's owners.

"The scheme has been very successful very quickly in all four towns," he said.

"It's notable that the overall appearance of the towns has been improved by the scheme.

"We have targeted parts that were starting to look run-down and in some places, particularly Norton, you can see quite a difference."

The scheme was funded by equal contributions from North Yorkshire County Council, Ryedale District Council and English Heritage.

Under her role as champion for the historic environment, Coun Garnett said she will make sure the county's historic features are considered in future council policy.