SCALED-down plans to 'transform' the area around Skipton Railway Station and improve pedestrian links to the town centre and to Aireville Park are set to receive final funding approval.

The £7.2 million Skipton scheme is one of three 'gateway' projects, also including Harrogate and Selby, expected to get full business case approval at Thursday's (March 14) meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The plans, which were approved last year, will see improvements to the canal path from the railway station to Aireville Park, and work on Black Walk, from the station to Morrison's Supermarket. Gallows footbridge, from Gas Street to the bus station, will also be replaced, but improvements to the railway station car park, including the creation of a new exit only onto Broughton Road, will be 'brought forward at a later date.

North Yorkshire Council hopes to appoint a contractor in July, with construction starting in September, and lasting until June next year.

Councillor Keane Duncan, the council's executive member for highways, said: “We welcome the combined authority’s proposal to support the transformative, revised schemes in Harrogate, Selby and Skipton.

“The plans have been revised to ensure we focus on the elements which gathered the most public support. After cross-party discussions, there has been significant change to the schemes, particularly in Harrogate, with the most controversial elements no longer moving forward.

“We will soon begin preparatory work ahead of construction starting. This is a very exciting time for the regeneration of all three town centres.”

The Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) projects, which are due to cost a total of £44.6 million to enhance access to transport hubs in all three towns, have already been approved by the Department for Transport (DfT). £38.3m will come from the TCF, with the rest coming from North Yorkshire Council