AS many as 100 people attended a public meeting called to discuss the future of Richmond's former railway station.

There has already been much debate about the building's future. The last open forum at the town hall in October last year examined four bids for the building, which is owned by Richmondshire District Council.

Those schemes came to nothing, and now the local authority has agreed to consider allowing the building to be run by a community trust.

Consultants were appointed last month to lead a feasibility study, which has to be completed by the end of July.

On Tuesday night the Friends of Richmond Station called a public meeting at the town hall to give residents another opportunity to comment on what they think the building should include.

A cinema, meetings rooms, a cafe or restaurant and craft workshops remain popular ideas - although the Friends of Richmond Station have urged business people interested in running these concerns to come forward now so their plans can be included in the research.

It was also suggested a shuttle bus linking the station and the neighbouring swimming pool with the town centre could help encourage trade and help to reduce traffic.

What happens next depends on funding and the amount needed will not be known until the council decides in August whether to lease or sell the building.

In the meantime, anyone who wants more information on the project should contact the Friends of Richmond Station, BPT, FREEPOST, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 1BR.