THE once firmly-locked doors of a jail are to be opened to the public before the site is redeveloped.

Hambleton District Council formally agreed to buy Northallerton Prison with a view to developing it some months ago – but transfer of the site was held up in the run up to the General Election.

However the authority should receive the keys to the building within the next month – and then hopes to open it up for public visits before being demolished.

“We are exploring the possibility of allowing the public to see inside the site before it is demolished,” said Cllr Mark Robson.

“This is a very exciting development for the district but we know people are curious to see behind the wall so will do all we call to make that happen.

“And then we can press ahead with our redevelopment plans - we believe that with the council managing this scheme it has the best chance of achieving a balance between new community facilities and new commercial opportunities.”