REPAIRS to a blockwork roadway in the centre of Ripon have been completed ahead of schedule.

North Yorkshire County Council has repaired the carriageway along Queen Street within Ripon Market Place East, from the junction with Moss Arcade to the junction with Kirkgate.

The work involved removal of the existing blocks, excavation and reinstatement of the sub-surface and reinstatement of the blocks, along with some carriageway resurfacing.

The scheme, which began in September, required the closure of Queen Street, but access was maintained to businesses in the area so they could continue as usual.

The executive member for highways, Cllr Mackenzie, said: “We would like to thank all the businesses and traders in the area, as well as the residents of Ripon, for their patience while this work was carried out.

“This was a substantial piece of work, which was necessary because investigations showed that the sub-structure below the blocks was failing.

“We can assure residents and business owners that this repair should provide a long-term solution to these failing setts.”