A £1.2 million plan to revamp Skipton's rundown bus station has been given the go-ahead.

The scheme, which was approved this week by North Yorkshire County Council, will see improvements to waiting areas and an increase in the number of bus stands.

It will also see a new pay and display car park, taxi rank and public toilets and general re-alignment of the station.

County councillor Robert Heseltine said: "Skipton has patiently waited for considerable years for this greatly-needed transport investment in our area."

However, bus operator Pennine Motors has questioned the loss of car parking places and called for traffic lights to be installed at the entrance to the station.

The scheme, which has taken five years to approve, will see the refurbishment and rationalisation of the existing station layout. The number of bus stands will be increased from seven to eight and waiting bays will feature timetable displays and sliding doors which will open when the bus arrives.