Chancery Lane transformed from ugly duckling to swan
A £15,000 scheme to transform Chancery Lane, which links Market Place and York Road in Malton, has been completed.
The alley way also provides access to the Palace Cinema and the Worldwide Shopping Mall, yet for several years has been the source of complaints about its poor condition and unsightly appearance.
Following almost a year of hard work, the scheme finally started in June and has now been completed. The tarmac surface has been replaced with natural stone giving the whole lane its most attractive appearance for many years.
Partners involved in bringing the scheme to fruition were Malcolm Chalk of the Worldwide Shopping Mall and Jeremy Powell of the Palace Cinema. Funders included Malton Town Council, North Yorkshire County Council, Ryedale District Council, English Heritage and administrative support paid for by land owner Fitzwilliam Estates.
Fitzwilliam Estate’s estate manager Roddy Bushell says; “I am delighted the scheme has finished as the amount of work required to coordinate activity has been extremely daunting. The appearance of Chancery Lane has been transformed and all the work has been worthwhile in the end”
Emma Woodland, building conservation officer at Ryedale District Council adds: “These little lanes or snickets are such a characterful and important part of the history of our local towns. They afford really interesting views of buildings and often have architectural surprises along the way. The use of these ancient routeways should prosper and I'm really pleased to be involved with the facelift with natural stone paving. I hope the public enjoy using the lane and contribute to the continuing tradition.”
Malcolm Chalk, Director of the Shopping Mall says; “The paving has transformed Chancery Lane from what used to be a dark dismal route connecting Yorkersgate and the Market Place, principal access to the Shopping Mall and Cinema, into a bright and cheery passageway. The comments from pedestrians using this important walkway have been totally positive with all expressing their delight at the lane's new look.
“The main contractor Ridings Construction Ltd of York are to be congratulated on their efficient and quality efforts. Fitzwilliam (Malton) Estates worked tirelessly to bring all the loose ends together and without them it would not have happened.
“It is hoped that a further period style street lamp, in keeping with theme of the lane, would be fitted at the top end as part of the NYCC Malton street lighting upgrade, which has cost some £250k to date.
“I hope the completion of the paving will prove to be the inspiration necessary to push forward the Dickens' historical connections. Malton needs to wake up to the volume of history in the town, and the number of people visiting the Malton & Norton Archaeological and Historical Society's very successful exhibition last weekend demonstrated the real thirst for local history, and that historical displays will bring visitors to the town.
“It is also hoped that the various interested parties, business and residents alike, could work together to bring about a Dickens Museum and to re-enact 'The Dickens Christmas Festival' ideally this year.
Main contractor was Dave Leighton with subsidiary lighting contractors being North Yorkshire County Council.