HUGE tracts of St Neots town and the riverside area are set to be included in the conservation area, increasing its size by four or five times. The three current conservation areas – St Neots, Eaton Socon and Eynesbury – are quite small. Tomorrow (Thursd

HUGE tracts of St Neots town and the riverside area are set to be included in the conservation area, increasing its size by four or five times.

The three current conservation areas - St Neots, Eaton Socon and Eynesbury - are quite small.

Tomorrow (Thursday), Huntingdonshire District Council's cabinet will be asked to approve the expansion for public consultation.

It is the second of the district's market towns, following Ramsey last year, to get the expansion treatment.

The aim is to include not just the built heritage of old buildings, but the town's historic sights and views.

Design and implementation team leader Chris Surfleet said: "The existing boundaries are very tightly drawn around conservation areas that are woefully inadequate.

"The river valley area is a very significant addition and I hope we shall get strong support from the public."

If, as is likely, the cabinet endorses the plan, Mr Surfleet hopes to arrange a public exhibition of the proposed new conservation area, possibly in the town council offices on August 15.