Selby District Council is taking a number of steps to revamp Tadcaster's Central Area car park in direct response to comments made by the area's residents about this important local facility.

Over the coming weekend (20 and 21 February) the old toilet block, which currently stands in the middle of the car park, will be demolished. This follows recent work by Selby District Council to upgrade the lighting to improve safety and security. After the demolition works the Council will look to renew the surface of the car park to provide much improved facilities for the town centre.  Work is also ongoing to investigate how new CCTV could also offer greater security at the site. The ultimately aim is to bring the car park up to the Parkmark standard; this is a national benchmark, organised through the Police, which recognises the highest standards of safety and security.

This improvement work is being led by a team of senior officers from Selby District Council. This team has ensured that the Council, as owners of the car park, has responded as quickly as possible to concerns raised through the Tadcaster and Villages Community Engagement Forum. The Forum gives local people a chance to have their say about the things that matter most to them, and a number of comments have been made about the need to make improvements to the Central Area car park.

As the car park lies in a conservation area, the Council has had to apply to central Government for permission to make the changes residents have said they wanted to see. With permission now granted the necessary demolition works can begin.

This work is part of Selby District Council's commitment to respond to local needs through Community Engagement Forums and also supports the authority's long-term aim of promoting prosperity. Revamped car parking in Tadcaster town centre will help support local businesses.

Tadcaster Councillor, Chris Metcalfe, said, "As Chairman of the Tadcaster and Villages Community Engagement Forum I'm delighted to see that Selby District Council has responded directly to the frustrations heard at the Forum about the car park. Residents set a challenge for the Council to improve the facility - and the Council's responded.

"I'd like to congratulate Selby District Council for setting up Community Engagement Forums. These give residents a new voice; a direct say in what happens in their local community. In this case, local residents have spoken, Selby District Council has listened and, most importantly, acted on what's been said.

"The Forum gives you a chance to have your say. If you'd like to take part, please come along to one of the Forum meetings."

Anyone wishing to have their say about local services, such as the Central Area car park, can speak directly to representatives of a range of public sector organisations at the Tadcaster and Villages Community Engagement Forum.  Meetings are held approximately every six weeks. The next meeting takes place at 7pm on Monday 29 March at the Riley Smith Hall Tadcaster.

Click here for more details about Community Engagement Forums.