PLANS to revitalise a town’s main street have received a major funding boost.

Cumbria County Council has committed to designing and paying for a ‘Phase One’ scheme in Alston, which will see improvements to a section of Front Street, adjacent to the Market Cross.

The council’s Front Street project team will work with the local community regarding the road surface and how its character can be maintained. The authority said it was anticipated that the community would be consulted on proposed designs for Phase One later this year.

Earlier this year, residents asked the council to investigate the possibility of reinstating natural stone setts, rather than asphalt, as long as it was safe and financially feasible.

Weather permitting, delivery of Phase One was likely to be carried out from spring 2020, and was likely to be completed by the autumn.

The council has also funded improvements to the Market Cross, including the removal and resetting of its historic steps, and the installation of new heritage style street lighting in the town.

A local steering group made up of local businesses, residents and organisations meet on a regular basis to provide valuable input into the Front Street redevelopment project.

Funding was being sought for Phase Two work, which would incorporate the area of Front Street and above the Market Cross.