Plans to rejuvenate a “neglected and underused” public space in a market town have been given the green light.

Kirkby Stephen Town Council aims to make the area, on the corner of North Road and Silver Street more welcoming.

The stone boundary wall will be replaced by a lower one repositioned to “take in” more of the existing pavement.

More seating areas will also be introduced to encourage pedestrians to stop and enjoy the space, according to plans approved by Westmorland and Furness Council.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said planning documents stated the “overarching aim” was to “rejuvenate a neglected, underused and undervalued public space to make it an attractive, useful, safe and accessible part of the townscape.”