RESIDENTS of Sedbergh and Dent are being given the chance to help develop plans to protect the character and appearance of their communities for future generations.

The two conservation areas are the subject of reviews being carried out by consultants on behalf of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) looking at their importance and their buildings and surroundings. Reports on the character of the settlements have now been drawn up using the results of that review.

Residents are being asked for their comments on these draft reports and on any other issues they believe are relevant to the future management of the conservation areas.

A consultation period will run until May 3, with one open day being held in Dent today (March 17) and another in the People’s Hall in Sedbergh on Friday (March 20) from 3pm to 7.30pm.

Residents are also being invited to join two walkabouts on Sunday (March 21) starting from Dent car park at 9.30am and from the Joss Lane car park in Sedbergh at 1pm.

Robert White, the YDNPA’s Senior Conservation Archaeologist, said: “There are so many elements that go together to make a place special – anything from historically and architecturally important buildings or sites to the way in which the buildings, other structures and the spaces between them fit together and contribute to the character of the place.

“Local residents know the towns better than anyone else, so we want to hear what they think. The purpose of the reviews and the management plans that will follow is to identify the special qualities of the two areas and to look at ways in which we can all help to protect and conserve them for the benefit of future generations.“