ACTION is needed to restore more of Scarborough's historic buildings, according to the borough council.

In the past nine years, 22 listed properties have been saved, said the council's planning chief Gordon Somerville.

They have included the Three Mariners Inn, in Quay Street, the resort's railway station and buildings in Sandside, King Street, Eastborough, Leading Post Street and LongWestgate.

But a further 12 have been labelled as being at risk, including properties in Prospect Place, North Marine Road, Eastborough, West Square, and Princess Street, together with the former Pentecostal Church, in Eastborough.

Failure to take action would result in further deterioration of the buildings, which would damage Scarborough's image as a historic town, said Mr Somerville.

In Whitby, £11,300 is to be spent on stone-paving Hall Place, one of the historic yards.

Mr Somerville said the yard has seven cottages, all listed, and is one of several targeted as part of the regeneration scheme for Whitby.