Work has started this week on improvements to a popular route which provides stunning views of North Yorkshire’s coastline. The improvements to gateways on the Cinder Track are being carried out between Scalby and Scarborough. North Yorkshire Council are improving the safety of junctions, enhancing biodiversity, and creating new public spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. The project aims to boost connections, create a network of interesting spaces to explore, and support the tourism economy. The project has also been split into different themes, all inspired by the heritage of the former railway route which dates back to the Victorian era. Executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, said: “The Cinder Track is a major asset for North Yorkshire, supporting everyday journeys for local people while also attracting visitors who want to experience our coast and countryside. “This Towns Deal funding gives us the opportunity to significantly enhance the gateways between Scalby and Scarborough. “These improvements will not only encourage more people to enjoy active travel, but also help celebrate and preserve the historic character that makes the Cinder Track such an important part of our heritage.” The project will see some areas developed as rest places with benches introduced, while others will be designated as gateway areas, or spaces that are journeyed through, to get to a destination. The eight areas of the £2.2 million project include Chichester Close, Newby Farm, Cross Lane, Gallows, Old Carriage Sidings, Woodland Ravine and Wykeham Street. Funding was awarded through the Government’s Towns Deal, to regenerate the area and deliver long-term economic growth. The council's highways company, NYHighways, is delivering the highways element of the scheme and work is expected to take a maximum 20 weeks, although this will be dependent on weather conditions. In 2024, they carried out a public consultation on the proposals. More than half of the people who responded supported the improvements and believed they would encourage both residents and visitors to use the Cinder Track. The project is also aligned with Scarborough’s Town Investment Plan and aims to improve health through increased walking and cycling, boost access to employment, education and leisure, reduce carbon emissions and enhance air quality. The chair of our Scarborough and Whitby area committee, Cllr Liz Colling, who represents the Falsgrave and Stepney division, said: “This work will help to ensure more people can access the Cinder Track and enjoy the wonderful views that this route provides along the coast. “The track has a special place for our local communities while also being enjoyed by visitors from far afield. I am pleased to see that the work is centred on the heritage of the route while making it fit for purpose for the 21st century.” The length of the Cinder Track follows a disused railway line which has been converted into a bridle way that is used by walkers and cyclists and stretches for 21 miles from Scarborough to Whitby. The track is popular with both local communities and visitors, allowing access to the countryside and providing outstanding views over the landscape, as well as a connection between villages and towns.

Residents, businesses and visitors to Scarborough are being encouraged to have their say on which projects would benefit most from a multi-million pound investment to drive regeneration and improve the health and wellbeing of communities. Scarborough is set to receive up to £20 million of government funding as part of a national programme to bring major investment to towns across the country. The money aims to support community-based projects that can bring long-term benefits for the area. They include boosting economic growth, creating more welcoming and inclusive environments, and identifying more opportunities for young people to reach their potential. The Plan for Neighbourhoods programme was renamed Pride in Place in September last year. The Scarborough Neighbourhood Board is responsible for co-ordinating how the funding will be spent in the town, working with North Yorkshire Council, and has identified 11 local projects that could benefit from the money. The board is now seeking residents, businesses and visitors to have their say on each project as part of a five-week consultation which opens from today (Thursday, 8 January). They are the Old Town Regeneration project, the redevelopment of Square One (SQ1), Sprucing Up Scarborough, We Are Scarborough Volunteering Hub, The Scarborough Fair, Turning Tides, Dads Behaving Madly Wellbeing Hub, Scarborough Youth Spaces Network, Stephen Joseph Theatre improvements, Scarborough Watersports and Sea Centre, and the Scarborough Community Grant Fund. Submissions received as part of the consultation will help determine which projects will be considered to benefit from the first batch of funding. Executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include regeneration, said: “It’s vital that the projects chosen are the right ones that can make a positive and lasting difference for the communities of Scarborough. “We want this money to be just the beginning – it must act as a catalyst to inspire further investment in Scarborough that can continue to help revitalise the town centre for decades to come and improve residents’ health and wellbeing. “The 11 projects have been identified by the Scarborough Neighbourhood Board to reflect the community’s priorities and have been developed in partnership with a range of organisations, businesses, young people and residents. “I would encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and have their say on which projects should receive the funding. All submitted views will be considered before a formal decision is made, with the feedback helping to shape the future of Scarborough.” The board has produced a 10-year regeneration plan for the town, as well as a four-year investment plan, which sets out its over-arching priorities following extensive engagement with the public, which included Let’s Talk Scarborough. This has been submitted to the Government with approval of the plan expected within the next few weeks. The priorities include improving the town’s appearance by tidying up public spaces, looking at ways to brighten up shopfronts and streets and supporting the delivery of more leisure and commercial opportunities to stimulate town centre footfall. The chair of the Scarborough Neighbourhood Board, Heath Samples, said: “Pride in Place is about putting local Scarborough people at the heart of shaping the future of where they live. “This consultation is a crucial moment to listen, learn and make sure the priorities we set genuinely reflect the character, strengths and ambitions of our neighbourhoods. “I would encourage everyone who cares about Scarborough – residents, businesses and community groups – to take part. Your views matter. Taking a few minutes to contribute helps ensure our decisions are grounded in real experience and a shared sense of pride in our town. “The Neighbourhood Board will use this feedback to shape the next phase of Pride in Place, refining priorities, guiding investment and turning ideas into practical action. We are committed to making sure what people tell us directly influences what happens next.” The MP for Scarborough and Whitby, Alison Hume, said: “This is an important moment for Scarborough as residents get their first chance to feedback on the first tranche of shortlisted projects for the government’s flagship Pride in Place programme. “Pride in Place is investing £20 million over ten years on projects which the community decide are the priorities for them. “There are some much needed initiatives such as Sprucing Up Scarborough which I am really excited about as I know how much residents are desperate for a revitalised town centre they can enjoy, feel safe in, and be proud of." The consultation runs from today until Friday, 13 February. Take part in the consultation here