LONG Street in Thirsk, a main routes into town and much criticised for its tatty appearance, is in line for improvements

The street, which lacks trees and has a number of derelict premises, is considered an unattractive approach to the town giving visitors the wrong impression.

Proposed improvements will be on display next weekend and local people will be asked for their views on how to improve the appearance of the street.

They will be able to see the draft proposals at a special exhibition in the town on May 11 and 12.

The scheme has been drawn up by the Long Street Working Party. Set up last year by the Town Council, it includes representatives from North Yorkshire County Council, Thirsk Town Council, North Yorkshire Police, Hambleton District Council, Thirsk and Sowerby Civic Society and Thirsk in Bloom as well as local residents.

"These proposals show how Long Street can be improved while still keeping on-street parking, access to properties and highway safety intact, said the chairman of the working party, Coun Jan Marshall.

"We believe the scheme will not only make the road more attractive for local residents, but as a gateway to the town. But it is vital we have the views of local people before we take this scheme any further so we hope as many as possible attend the exhibition."

She said it was hoped some of the cash to fund the scheme would come from the Thirsk regeneration initiative, a four-year scheme to improve the town and the surrounding area through Yorkshire Forward's market towns regeneration programme.

The exhibition, in the East Thirsk Community Hall, Hambleton Place, runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday, May 11, and from 10am-1pm on Sunday, May 12.