THE well-preserved heritage of a north Lancashire village - rich in mullioned windows, dry-stone walls and farm cottages - has been highlighted in a recent study.

Arkholme was designated a conservation area in 1981, and Lancaster City Council has taken a fresh look at its historic features to help guide future planning decisions in the Lune Valley settlement.

The appraisal document, illustrated with noteworthy properties such as the black-and-white Smithy Cottage, and Chapel Cottages, complete with sash windows and 'catslide' roof, states that the conservation area is generally "in good condition" despite some 'unsympathetic' modern houses.

The report highlights Arkholme's medieval motte, in the grounds of the Grade II* listed St John the Baptist Church, as well as the village's many Grade II listed sandstone-and-slate cottages.

It also recalls history such as the 1279 market charter; a rich agricultural past; the once-prominent willow basket making industry; the closure of the 'Arkholme for Kirkby Lonsdale' railway station in 1960; and the fact that every villager sent to fight in the 1914-18 War returned home, making Arkholme one of Lancashire's 'Thankful' villages.

The appraisal states: "As demonstrated by the conversion and reuse of previous farm buildings, the village has adapted well to the social and economic changes of the 20th century." Properties have been well looked after and none of the heritage assets are at risk from deterioration, it adds.