A special reception was held to celebrate Northallerton's new status as a coach-friendly town.
The event, on Wednesday, August 14, was attended by coach industry leaders and representatives of the various groups which have worked towards achieving the accreditation.
Northallerton BID joined forces with the Town Team, consisting of the BID, Northallerton Tourist Information Centre, Hambleton Community Action, Northallerton Town Council, and North Yorkshire Council, on the scheme.
The BID funds the operation, which encompasses a meet and greet service through the Town Ambassadors, a voucher catalogue featuring offers from local independent businesses, a corresponding map to their respective locations, a driver voucher valued at £8, and complimentary coach parking.
From a standing start in 2022, Northallerton welcomed 43 coaches. This increased to 125 in 2023, and in 2024, the total has already exceeded this figure, with the aim of accommodating between 150 and 200 coaches.
The Coach Federation of Passenger Transport (CPT) approximates that each coach contributes £500 to the local economy.
Northallerton BID collaborated with the CPT in pursuing the accreditation of coach-friendly status for Northallerton.
Alex Shennib, manager of Northallerton BID, said the accreditation "underscores the dedication of all involved in this initiative over the past two years". He added: "Northallerton BID takes pride in accepting this accolade on behalf of Northallerton and eagerly anticipates welcoming coaches on a national scale."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here