Archive - Thursday, 4 April 2002


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Towns in line for £1m funding boost

HISTORIC buildings in Malton, Norton, Pickering and Kirkbymoorside could be spruced up thanks to funding from English Heritage.

Ryedale District Council is hopeful that, along with grants from other sources, up to £1m could be spent restoring the appearance of buildings over the next three years. The four towns will share an English Heritage grant of £40,000 a year for three years as part of the Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (HERS).

But additional funds will be provided by Ryedale District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and the European single regeneration budget. These funds will help to restore buildings in the towns, including commercial properties. When partial investment by the owners of properties is included, the final figure could reach £1m.

A spokeswoman for English Heritage said: "All four conservation areas suffer from limited investment, vacant and under-used properties and a loss of historic character. "The scheme will focus on conservation led regeneration and raising awareness of conservation in tackling decline."

Priority will be given to work owners of buildings would not normally consider. Crumbling stonework in Pickering could be restored to extend the life of the stone, and traditional shopfronts, windows and doors could be reinstated.

The funding was approved after an application from Ryedale District Council.

Coun Allin Jenkins said: "Hopefully, building owners will see the benefits of other projects like this which have been carried out and apply for funding," he said. "It is good news for those buildings which need attention and will improve certain areas of the towns."

Ryedale's building conservation officer, Emma Woodland, said that properties had already been identified which could benefit from some renovation, and the owners of those properties would be contacted about the available funds.

She said: "The news is fantastic. We are very pleased that our bid was a success. It will enable us to continue and expand the success of the third HERS scheme that has improved many properties in Malton and Norton over the last three years.It is hoped that this will help counteract the effects of foot and mouth and encourage tourism and investment."

Updated: 09:38 Thursday, April 04, 2002