THE streets of Bedale should be given back to the people by solving parking problems and organising more public events, Hambleton councillors were told yesterday.

Mr Ian Crowther, chief executive of Business Solutions Bedale, the enterprise agency for Hambleton and Richmondshire, was giving evidence to the environment and economy scrutiny committee as it began a wide-ranging review of the economic viability of market towns with special emphasis on Bedale.

Mr Crowther, a former economic development officer with councils in south Lincolnshire and Scunthorpe, was asked for his views on what should be done to help Bedale which has problems of empty shops and faces competition from shopping and market developments elsewhere.

Stressing that he was giving a personal view, he said the disc parking system was being abused by traders themselves while visitors had to search for somewhere to park.

"Another town in the country has embraced the phrase 'give the streets back to the people' much against the wishes of its traders, who now admit they were wrong as all the shops are now occupied and trade has never been better."

Mr Crowther felt that although the Bedale 750 celebrations had been good, they had only scratched the surface of what could be done. He gave as examples mock sheepdog trials in the market place, window display and floral competitions, a street fair, street entertainers and special nights in the summer for motorcyclists.

He suggested appointing town centre managers for Bedale and other Hambleton market towns.

Redundant land west of Bedale market place could be redeveloped with a mixture of housing and workshops to bring people close to the shops.

Mr Crowther felt the tone of the town would be lifted if Hambleton introduced grants of at least 50pc for owners to improve shop fronts. Empty shops, particularly those with living accommodation above, could be bought by the council and then offered for rent or sale.

The Tuesday market should be better advertised, shoppers and visitors should be asked whether they would like shops to open later in the evening and competition among market place shops should be encouraged.

l Bedale in line for cash to repair buildings: page 13.

l Thirsk draws up spending plans: page 3