THE area around Craven Court in Skipton is one of the historic parts of the town that gives it its identity - and helps make Skipton so popular with visitors.

It is however, in need of some care. There are proposals to ‘enhance’ the area as part of £1.5m funding from Historic England aimed at preserving the country’s historic high streets.

Craven District Council, which is in charge of getting the improvements right, and which is working with the owner of Craven Court, is inviting people to have their say.

Any comments, which need to be in by early next year, will be used to shape the scheme, which is due to get underway next spring.

The ultimate aim is to ‘enhance’ the heritage of the Otley Street area that runs alongside Craven Court, and to encourage more people to linger, and so boost trade for those small cafes, butchers shops and other independent businesses on Otley Street.

Proposals include the replacing of overgrown shrubs with stone flags to ‘open up the area’ and to create a large space for the holding of possibly public meetings, events and other ‘business activities’.

There will also be planting of perennial shrubs and grasses, to provide continuous colour all year round, the planting of ‘street trees’, heritage style seating and cycle parking.Also planned is the installation of ‘festoon style’ overhead lighting and external power points to support events and other commercial opportunities.

The deadline for comments is January 7 - have your say before it is too late.