CREDIT where it is due! After a long bleak period with numerous empty units, Skipton's chief shopping centre Craven Court is back in business.

Six new shops have either recently moved in, or plan to in the near future, bringing a welcome economic boost to the £4 million centre.

Back in February, the Herald reported that the five vacant units at the Otley Street entrance were pushing away visitors as they gave the impression the centre was derelict.

Inside, other units were up for sale or were already empty.

Many of them had been empty for years and several of the units' owners were concerned for the future of the shopping centre.

Some blamed centre managers Cardales of London for failing to get new business in quickly enough.

But visitors walking through now are in for a treat with new businesses reviving the centre and promoting Skipton as an attractive shopping venue.

Fashion clothing shop and well-known high street name Wallis has filled the former Richards unit which had been vacant for years.

Since its opening a couple of weeks ago, the business has been pulling in trade.

Manager Emma Johnson said she was impressed with the look of Craven Court, which is based on a 16th century street, and that the centre manager had given her lots of help and advice.

She said trade had exceeded all expectations and that the store had "smashed" sales targets.

Customers have told her that Skipton needed another women's clothes shop and were pleased that they could shop in their hometown rather than travel to Keighley or Leeds.

Miss Johnson said she understood that there had been business interest in the former tourist information centre unit, which has been empty since September 2000.

The Silver Box, selling a whole range of modern silver jewellery, has recently opened in the former Fabric Box unit and the Shaw Art Gallery has added a new dimension to the centre with two floors of contemporary and traditional artwork.

The Wonder of Wood, selling a range of wooden carvings, is poised to move into the former Keith James jewellers, and the Earth Collection with its range of quality clothing made from natural fibres is due to open today (Friday) in the former Rag Merchant unit.

When these new firms are up and running only the small unit that used to house former Busy Bees will be vacant.

The Christmas decorations have been refurbished and put up. Large wreaths, garlands and trees in red, green and gold give the centre a welcoming glow to complement the now huge range of shops.

Centre manager Judith Addyman said: "It is wonderful that we have got all these new businesses. It has certainly improved footfall."

o The former Craven Tuck Box on Skipton's High Street is to re-open soon as the Rock Shop, selling a range of geological and natural earth gifts.