PLANS have been submitted for a dome in Malton’s Castle Gardens to encourage more activities to take place there.

The small dome-shaped steel shelter has been designed by local blacksmith Piers Edsall.

Measuring five metres by five metres, the shelter will be next to the lawned area and will be available for any users of the site to shelter from the weather.

CCTV has also been installed in the garden to help deter vandalism in the area.

Cllr Di Keal, secretary and founder member of the Castle Gardens, said: “Once planning permission has been approved we will need to find funding for the shelter, but hope to have it installed by this summer.”

Cllr Keal added: “With more groups and individuals using the Castle Gardens, we have agreed that a small shelter will be a great addition to the site as it will give people somewhere to take cover in bad weather and will also make the garden accessible to the children’s groups whatever the weather.

“The shelter has been designed to reflect our gate from Orchard Field and will be decorated by leaves in the same way.

“We are delighted that it has been designed by local blacksmith Piers Edsall as we want to support and use local businesses whenever possible. Our new CCTV has also been installed by local business, TVC Electrical.”

Members of Malton Town Council backed the plans.

Deputy mayor Kerry Ennis said: “A lot of children use Castle Gardens for educational as well as recreational purposes and this will give them somewhere to shelter in bad weather.

“It will also be perfect for performances, plays and festivals.”

Cllr Ennis added that she had spoken to the police and they felt the shelter would not led to people sleeping there, while the new CCTV would help deter vandals.

Malton mayor Cllr Paul Emberley said it was a positive move for the garden.

“Hopefully it will encourage more events there and draw more people to Castle Gardens which is a good thing,” he added.