A CONSERVATION chief is urging action to control the painting of stonework facades on buildings to halt further erosion of a town centre's special character.

Harrogate Civic Society is calling for planning controls amid growing concern over commercial buildings being painted in colours ranging from white and orange, to teracotta, pink and yellow for advertising purposes.

Peter Fisher, the town's conservation officer, is now asking councillors to approve measures to control the painting of buildings.

If planning councillors approve action, a proposal will be submitted to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott for approval.

The area covered by the controls will include the central conservation area, as well as parts of parts of Granby, Harlow Moor, High Harrogate, Low Harrogate, New Park and Stray wards.