WORK on a community facility in Middleham has been completed.

Richmondshire District Council has finished cleaning up a three-quarter acre plot of land next to the town's St Akelda's Church.

The authority bought the land earlier this year and has erected new fencing, repaired walls and installing dog bins.

The council's economic, cultural and leisure committee chairman, Councillor John Blackie, said: "Local people have been using this piece of land for a long time, but now we have made some improvements it should become an even more valuable resource for the community.

"We are committed to its long-term upkeep, so it will always remain clean and tidy for both townsfolk and visitors to enjoy."

The work was partly funded by local builders and residential property developers.

Coun Blackie said: "The council has a commitment laid down in the local plan to create more public open spaces where there is a need.

"This is the first such project to be completed and we are now looking at a number of other sites across the district where similar work can be carried out."