A joint project by Acorn Homes of Selby and Selby District Council could see the derelict toll bridge petrol station in Ousegate torn down and the site landscaped to create public open space by June.

If planning permission is obtained, the rest of the site would be re-developed into smart retail units with apartments above, giving a much-needed boost to the town's appeal to shoppers and visitors.

Deputy council leader Coun Brian Percival (pictured) said: "The impact of this area is considerable – the image of a derelict petrol station isn't the image we want to portray of Selby; we want to show it's a vibrant, lively town.

"The district is in a dire economic position, and the demand for apartments is low, but by working jointly we can fast-track a scheme that will vastly improve that site in the meantime.

"Construction might not start on the retail outlets and apartments for two or three years, but I hope to see the petrol station removed in its entirety and the landscaping completed by the end of June, and this is something I'm pushing for.

"This is a fantastic, exciting project, which shows developers and the council can and do work together."

Calls to revamp the area have long been made, and while a district council £1.4 million renaissance scheme last year included the new Ousegate-based Linear Park development, the petrol station site has remained untouched.

Acorn Homes of Selby was unavailable for comment at time of going to press.