WORK will start next week on the second phase of a project to enhance the Market Place in the centre of Knaresborough.

Local contractor Houseman and Falshaw and Copgrove has been awarded the contract, and the project is due to be completed by mid-April, in time for the Easter holidays.

The first month of the work is expected to be the most disruptive, when Silver Street will be closed to all vehicles.

A diversion will be in place throughout the work, along Castlegate to High Street.

Traffic entering the Market Place will be diverted via a temporary road next to the Market Cross, but pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

"We hope people will be patient while the work is done," said council cabinet member for public works, Bill Hoult.

"I am confident that people will see that the scheme was worth waiting for."