A LOCAL authority has announced plans to repair an historic set of steps which collapsed during heavy rain last year.

Harrogate Borough Council will finance the work on steps leading to properties at the lower end of Briggate, in Knaresborough.

Although the steps lead to houses above the road, the council had initially faced difficulties finding out who was responsible for them.

Local councillor Bill Hoult said: "As the steps didn't appear on the deeds of any of the houses and as they are not part of the adopted highway, it was difficult to find a way to get them repaired."

But he said: "The repair will complement the recent building conversions in the area and will tidy up this lower end of Briggate, while preserving part of Knaresborough's heritage. The council will replace the old steps because they detract from the area's visual attractiveness, but it cannot take responsibility for future maintenance."