REFRESHMENTS will be served for a trial period at the World of James Herriot in Thirsk, despite concerns that it may take business away from traders in the town.

At a Hambleton District Council cabinet meeting on Tuesday, councillors agreed to allow an outside contractor to offer refreshments for a limited time.

Though a conscious decision was taken when the museum first opened not to include any catering, latest feedback suggests more than 70pc of visitors would welcome refreshments during their visits, which can take between 90 and 120 minutes.

But Coun Susan Latter said she was totally against introducing refreshments.

"It is complete nonsense," she said. "The whole point of the museum was to bring business to Thirsk, and by putting in a refreshment service we are taking it away from the town."

Coun Bob Baker agreed, saying: "We need to support the shops and restaurants in Thirsk because we need them in the town."

But Coun David Blades said the centre needed to respond to visitors' expectations. "People come for the afternoon and they expect some form of refreshment," he said. "It will be a success because human nature dictates that it will be."

Councillors heard that an outside contractor would absorb the profit or loss from the service, thereby posing no risk to the council, and a trial period would allow time to decide what facilities to offer.

Steve Quatermain, director of planning an environmental services for the council, warned that the quality of any service introduced could colour the view of visitors to the attraction.

Coun Ralph Andrew agreed, saying: "Whatever we put in there we must ensure the quality is first class."