Local photographer, Phil Tennant, has donated images of local scenes, including the famous Castle view.

Town Team, Renaissance Knaresborough, has used those images to commission a number of large shop window banners to inspire owners or tenants to ‘pretty up’ their town centre properties.

There are more than ten vacant properties in the town centre and whilst every effort is being made to attract new businesses, Gordon Renton, Chair of Renaissance Knaresborough, hopes that property owners will take up the offer of the photographic banners.

“It is possible, with more people holidaying at home this year, that we could be facing a very busy tourist season,” he said. “We want to make our town as welcoming as possible.

“The success of the FEVA trompe l’oeil has put Knaresborough on the map for unusual and clever artistic interpretations. We hope that these banners in our shop and commercial property windows will also attract interest and I urge owners to take up the offer.”

The cost of the banners has been supported by the Regional Development Agency, Yorkshire Forward. Examples are on display at Henshaws’ Arts and Crafts Centre on Bond End. Everyone is welcome to come and view them.

Mr Renton added that help is available to owners to erect the banners, all the Town Team needs is their permission to gain access.

Anyone with an empty commercial property in Knaresborough High Street, Market Place or Castlegate should get in touch with Harrogate Borough Council’s Economic Development Unit.

Please speak to Daniel Harper, Business Development Officer on 01423 799149 or email daniel.harper@harrogate.gov.uk