ONGOING plans to improve the centre of Cross Hills for residents, traders and shoppers, making it a more attractive place to eat, live and socialise, have moved a step forward with work to the area of East Keltus.

The £100,000 project has seen the levelling and re-flagging of the pavement area, and the siting of new flowerbeds, seating and lighting.

A special Christmas tree electricity socket has also been installed for future festive displays.

Steps from the car park in Milligan Fields to East Keltus have also been replaced, giving safer and easier access to all.

The work was carried out by contractors for Craven District Council, which allocated the money from its government New Homes Bonus fund.

It follows on from the refurbishment last year of the town’s Hall Street Car Park, and is part of the overall plan to upgrade the centre, in partnership with traders and Glusburn and Cross Hills Parish Council.

David Smurthwaite, strategic manager at Craven District Council, said: “The aim of these projects is to create a more attractive place to live, eat, socialise and shop, for residents and visitors.

“We’re delighted to see this latest phase completed and we really appreciate the support of the local businesses and community in Cross Hills.”

Flowers for the planters have been supplied by the town’s Blush Florists, and they will be maintained by Glusburn and Cross Hills Parish Council, which will also be responsible for the lighting columns.

Trade and general waste bins, which had previously been sited at East Keltus, have now been moved to council owned land, behind Boots Pharmacy, next to the Milligan Fields Car Park, where they are now in a secure bin store.

The next part of the improvement scheme is to replace all of the waste bins from the end of Fieldhead Drive to Wheatlands Lane, in addition to a further one at the end of Albert Road and Holme Lane. Some of the bins will be for general waste and for mixed recycling, of paper, plastic and glass. Replacement of the bins will receive financial support from the parish council.