THE character of a North Yorkshire market town is being eroded by inappropriate building work, a report claims.

The Helmsley Conservation Area Appraisal suggests tighter regulations should be introduced to maintain the look of the town.

The report was compiled by Ryedale District Council and the North York Moors National Park Authority.

The authors say shopfronts built using non-traditional and poor-quality materials, plastic doors and windows and poorly-designed street furniture are all having a negative impact.

The report suggests an order be imposed on the conservation area in Helmsley to tighten restrictions on changes residents and business can make to their properties without consent.