WORK which will involve the removal of an architectural blot at the side of Skipton Town Hall in Jerry Croft, has begun as part of a project to revitalise the 152-year-old grade two building.

The breeze block structure built in the 1960s which houses the toilets, is to be demolished to make way for a modern addition including disabled access and lift to the first floor office.

The project is part of an ambitious plan, costing just under £774,000, to transform the building but retain its historic importance at the top of High Street.

Work started on Monday and will continue until November 14 and involve the closure of Craven Museum & Gallery and the main hall. The tourist information centre will remain open.

It will also involve the creation of commercial letting units in parts of the building.

The phase one scheme, which also includes the replacement of the heating system and rewiring of the building, was designed by Skipton based architects Bowman Riley .

The construction has been awarded to York-based contractors William Birch and is expected to be completed in April 2015,

Jerry Croft will be closed for several weeks to enable the demolition of the breeze block structure to be carried out safely.

Diversions will be in place and pedestrian access will remain for the majority of time. Local businesses and residents will be given advance notice.

District councillor Simon Myers, lead member for the town hall, said: “Skipton Town Hall is a real asset, and the refurbishment is necessary to help us make the most of it.

"We are working closely with the contractor to ensure the building remains open to the public as much as possible during the building work.”

The rewiring and new heating system would turn the town hall into a more energy efficient building, he added.

Longer term Skipton Town Council plans to move from its cramped offices above Barclays Bank in the High Street to the entire first floor of the hall.