SKIPTON Castle has stood for almost 1,000 years, and is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the country - it attracts around 100,000 visitors every year.

Now the owner of Skipton Castle says the town is facing another important decision in its history – one that could have consequences if it goes the wrong way.

Sebastian Fattorini was involved with moves to set up Skipton BID ten years ago, and he believes it has helped to transform the town in that period. And he says it is vital that the levy-paying businesses vote ‘YES’ in the renewal vote in January next year to allow that work to continue. The Fattorini family has owned the castle since 1956, having been involved in the fabric of commerce of the town since setting up a jewellery business at the lower end of the High Street in 1827.

Sebastian took over as administrator around 20 years ago, and had no hesitation in joining those who worked to set up the BID – one of the first in the north – when it was mooted. He said: “Prior to the BID, it was the same small group of people who promoted and supported the events in Skipton. What the bid did was to increase the resources so that the events could be bigger and better and Skipton promoted as a destination. The future of a vibrant town is a destination town. Skipton is a destination town. It has much to offer, from the woods, market, canal, castle, and museum, attractive high street with its shops, cafés and restaurants against the backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales

“It is important to realise that all businesses in Skipton rely on a healthy local economy.

“The BID makes a significant contribution to supporting the local economy. It’s important that another term is voted in.”