TRADERS have moved to ensure a bright future for a Victorian hall on a winding narrow street which was built to encourage abstinence from alcohol.

The Temperance Hall, on Duck Hill, Ripon, is fully occupied for the first time in years, following uses as a Scouts base, a fabric shop and a shoe repairers.

Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Mick Stanley, said he was delighted to see the area thriving and that he hoped Duck Hill could become closed to traffic to further improve the area for shoppers.

There have been calls to close the road for many years, with the top part of Kirkgate, between the Square and Duck Hill, being regarded as one of the city’s most dangerous places, where traffic comes too fast down the slope.

Artist Sue Dewhurst, of Richmond, said a group of entrepreneurs believed the area which had not proved popular with traders could become an artist's quarter.

She said the traders had moved into the 1859 building to create an arcade of shops.

Shops including china, jewellery, collectables retailer Cathedral Antiques and designer children's wear shop Dinky Dolls have recently joined established businesses, including a delicatessen, hair salon and a cafe.

Mrs Dewhurst said: "We help each other out with promotional events and innovative marketing ideas, a shared fashion show is being planned.

"We have found a fantastic home from which to showcase our artwork in what is now quickly becoming an artists’ quarter along with the rest of Kirkgate, attracting custom from far and wide to Ripon.

"Each week local people call in and are surprised to find the units all occupied and busy having not set foot in the place for years."