A FOCUS group has been set up with far reaching ambitions to attract new business and retain younger people in Craven.

The Skipton Placemaking Steering Group has been created to support the town’s hope to develop as a thriving, vibrant place, appealing to all age groups, but particularly younger people and families as a place to live, work and visit.

The group is made up of bodies, including Skipton BID, Skipton Town Council, Craven District Council, Craven Arts, the Heritage Action Zone and Great Place: Lakes and Dales.

It will both support existing projects and identify new ones. It will increase the civic pride of residents and businesses, so they act as ‘advocates’ for the town, highlight both new and old aspects of Skipton, increase diverse offers and promote activities for young people. It will also support the town’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

To help it achieve its plans it has appointed creative agency Vivid.

Liz Smailes, marketing and communications officer with Skipton BID, said:“Together, the group aims to highlight Skipton’s broad business, cultural and leisure choices and establish a future discourse where the contemporary and heritage are harmoniously brought together, with a sustainable vision to welcome the next generation of Skipton residents, workers and visitors.”