AN investment of more than £40,000 is to be made in a town to revitalise its natural heritage.

Vandals have often tried to ruin Richmond's Castle Walk, which follows the line of the outer wall of the Norman bastion.

During the summer, a bench was torn from its mounts and thrown down the steeply sloping bank, while litter has been left in the branches of trees.

Despite local dog-fouling laws, the footpath is also frequently strewn with mess left behind by owners who ignore the bins at each end of the walk.

Earlier this year, specialists employed by English Heritage were in the area to help restore it to its former glory.

They helped to train staff to clear the overgrown banks which reach down to the River Swale, restoring the spectacular views.

Richmondshire District Council and North Yorkshire County Council have confirmed they will also invest £42,000 in a comprehensive package, which will include resurfacing the promenade, putting up more safety barriers and repairing the retaining wall.

The project was listed as a priority by the Swale Valley Initiative, which has listed a number of schemes which could help revitalise the area's economy.

"The general condition of this area has been causing some public concern," said town manager Colin Grant.

"Making the environment more attractive to both residents and visitors will go a long way to restoring the area's popularity."

Other work on Castle Walk will include replacing bollards at the Castle Hill entrance and the reinforcement of the bank sides to help prevent landslides.

Richmondshire District Council conservation officer, David Elliott said: "When the walk was a popular promenade in Georgian times, the bank was mainly grassed and allowed spectacular vistas of Sleegill and Billy Bank Woods.

"Since then, self-seeded shrubs and trees have grown up and now greatly impede the views.

"We don't intend to clear them, but the site would benefit from sensitive coppicing and conservation work."

Richmond Mayor Stuart Parsons has been among those leading a push for improvements through the award-winning Richmond Pride Initiative.

"I am absolutely over the moon," he said yesterday.

"It means we are going to be reclaiming a big slice of Richmond and illustrates that the authorities do care after all.

"Sometimes it may take a little time to get things done, but we get there in the end."