FLAGS and bunting have gone up across Skipton to mark the official launch of a £1.5 million scheme to improve the look of the town centre.

Schoolchildren created the colourful flags which now decorate High Street, Otley Street and Coach Street to mark the town becoming just one of 60 across the country chosen to benefit from becoming a High Street Heritage Action Zone area.

The Government funded, Historic England run scheme aims to secure long lasting improvements to historic high streets for the communities who use them.

The town hall, which is due to re-open in June following a £4.7 million transformation will receive more money to complete the restoration of its facade, while work will also take place on the town’s ginnels and other historic buildings.

Craven District Council last year successfully secured just more than £1.5m, which will be used to fund a programme of capital projects and cultural events over the next three years.

The council was also awarded £7,800 from the Historic England Pilot Activity Grant for the launch of the project, and Skipton BID contributed towards the bunting.

Using stencils, children from Christ Church Primary School, Water Street Primary School, St Stephens Primary School, and Greatwood Primary School designed their own flags during an online workshop by graphic designer Sian Laura. The designs were combined to produce 38 flags, now flying proudly in Skipton town centre.

Paul Shevlin, chief executive of Craven District Council, said: “The High Street Heritage Action Zone project in Skipton will have many benefits for our communities.

“Skipton Town Hall itself will benefit from part of the funding, to complete the refurbishment and restoration project, and we’re looking at ways to improve public space around the town centre, including the ginnels running off the High Street, and plan to bring more of the historic buildings around the town centre back into use.

“Events are also being planned to take place around the town centre to celebrate its historical heritage, develop cultural activities and bring more young people into Skipton.”

‘Stories of Skipton’ heritage action zone posters are being developed for businesses and shop owners to display in their windows, and will feature a photograph from the council archives along with historical snippets.

Also part of the launch, the exhibition ‘The Town’s Voice’ is currently underway at Skipton Library.

It is the work of designer Sian Laura using responses from the heritage action zone “Have Your Say” cultural programme consultation which took place in December.

Volunteers recorded some of the responses and the recordings were then edited and transformed into a piece of contemporary artwork.

The multi-project programme is being designed and delivered by Craven District Council, in partnership with Skipton BID, Skipton Town Council and North Yorkshire County Council, along with contributions from groups such as Skipton Civic Society, Fresh Perspective, Craven Arts Trust and Great Place:Lakes and Dales.