THE transformation of Skipton's Aireville Park from a "shameful" advert for Craven has been welcomed.

Cllr Chris Knowles-Fitton, leader of Craven District Council, said the park was now a pleasure to walk through and he looked forward to the completion of the skate park.

"About 15 months ago, I walked through the park and was so horrified by what I saw that I took the chief executive round," he told the full council.

"The path lights were broken, the poles damaged and unpainted. The rubbish bins were dirty and the benches in need of repair. Overall, it was a pretty shameful advert for Skipton and Craven."

Since then, and in time for the summer's Tour de France Grand Depart, the park has undergone a transformation. A £100,000 appeal to rebuild the skatepark stands at more than £62,000.

"The park has been transformed for not a lot of money and it's a pleasure to walk through it," said Cllr Knowles-Fitton.

"The skateboarders are helping raise money to renew their skatepark and, with our help and an odd grant or two, a new one will be built in the not too distant future."