TOWNSFOLK have put forward their ideas on plans that could see Settle's famous Folly made into a major new arts and heritage centre.

Trustees of the North Craven Building Preservation Trust are mulling over what they have called "excellent feedback" from a meeting attended by about 80 Settle residents. The Folly is the town's only Grade I listed building.

Possibilities currently being considered by the trustees are to move the town's Tourist Information Centre into the ground floor of The Folly, while also incorporating a tea room, as well as space for workshops and meetings.

Plans for the second level include temporary exhibition spaces and units for artisans or artists to use, while on the top floor there could be a space for a permanent exhibition.

There is also a proposal to install a lift to improve accessibility. The whole project could cost about £1 million, depending on what is finally decided.

Trust chairman, Steve Amphlett, said he and his colleagues had been "very pleased indeed" with the positive suggestions put forward.

He added: "It's great that people are so engaged with the project.

"To get 80 people turning up was great and there have been some very good ideas put forward and some very useful comments made.

"As we have said before, the building has to be self-sustaining and generate enough income to do that.

"Accessibility to all visitors is also a very important factor, which is why we think a lift is a necessity. And whatever is decided has to respect the 'uniqueness' of the building.

"Of course, we would love to hear any further comments people wish to make, and there is a link on The Folly website for them to do this."

The trustees will further discuss the plans at their next meeting on July 8. They are also looking at what grants and "other sources of preliminary funding" are available.

The Folly currently houses the Museum of North Craven Life and three temporary exhibitions. It was built in 1679 as a home for wealthy lawyer, Richard Preston.