WORK on a major improvement scheme on Northallerton's Zetland Street is almost complete and it has now reopened to traffic.

New planters and a bus stop are still to be installed - and trees are still left to plant - in a scheme that has seen the pavements widened and the road made single vehicle width, with loading, taxi and parking bays.

The footpaths have been repaved in York stone.

The improvements support the Treadmills retail and leisure development on the former prison site, upgrading vital links between the High Street and East Road, the main shopping area and the new development.

And it will be followed by a new town square for the centre of the town next year.

The work is part of a joint £4.5m project for town centre improvements between Hambleton District Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

Hambleton council leader, Councillor Mark Robson, said: “This project has created stronger links between Treadmills and the town centre and made the area more attractive for visitors.

"It has followed a heritage theme taking the town back to its roots and developing a more traditional style.

“Covid-19 has meant the work has taken a lot longer than expected and we thank the businesses for the patience.

"We hope everyone likes the results – business owners and customers and will be heading down Zetland Street to see its new look.”

Improvements are also being made to two ginnels, New Row and Central Arcade. These are privately owned but are public rights of way.

To make them more inviting, the ginnels have been surfaced in York stone and the boundary walls enhanced.

Footways on Elder Road have also been extended.