ALLENDALE Parish Council has given the go ahead for the start of redevelopment work in the Market Square.

Improvements to the appearance and accessibility of the village centre will begin with resurfacing St Cuthbert’s Church car park and area outside the Paul Gowland garage.

Funded by the parish council, the initial work will cost just over £12,700 and was approved by councillors at their most recent meeting.

The start of work was delayed for three months to obtain quotes for the next phase of the project, which includes re-laying the market’s cobbled areas and the laying of two stone-paved paths to improve pedestrian access to the Golden Lion and King’s Head pubs.

At the council’s July meeting, Coun. Chris Bacon presented quotes of over £40,000 each for removing and re-laying the cobbles and paving.

Some councillors questioned the need for re-laying the cobbles at all.

However, Coun. Bacon said: “We are trying to preserve that last remaining aspect of the village and I hope if we can afford to do it, we would.”

Clerk Anne Grieve warned that a loan may be needed to cover the costs, while Coun. Bacon suggested local businesses could be asked to help raise funds.

Local county councillor Colin Horncastle will also be asked if he can help through his grants budget.