A “MINI-MAKEOVER” for the historic heart of York has begun with new lanterns giving a new lease of light.

Lights in Stonegate, Colliergate, Petergate and Lendal Bridge are being replaced with new ones giving a brighter and “more natural” glow, as part of City of York Council’s Reinvigorate York programme.

The new ones will be more environmentally friendly and will also provide clearer coverage for the city’s CCTV network.

The city-centre facelift, backed by £200,000 from the council’s Economic Infrastructure Fund, will also see about 40 new seats installed in pedestrianised zones, particularly for elderly and disabled people.

Bollards will also be replaced or removed to “declutter” streets. The makeover should be completed by the end of March. Work is being carried out between 6pm and 11pm to minimise disruption.

Sir Ron Cooke, who chairs Reinvigorate York, said: “The quality of York’s inner-city public spaces is fundamental to sustaining the city’s present and future prosperity, and it is important to most people who live, work, visit and invest here.

“But spaces in the city centre are looking tired and shabby in places and need urgent attention. We’re already making significant changes and the council’s initiative provides a unique opportunity to reinvigorate the core area, so I am pleased to help in achieving this very laudable aim.”