RESIDENTS have been urged to back a trust launched to save a town's disused railway station from developers.

Richmondshire District Council owns the building in Richmond. Until recently it was home to the Richmond Garden and Farm Supply Centre.

However, the business closed a year ago and the authority wants the building to be sold or leased as a leisure venue.

Four bidders submitted their proposals to the council in October and two have since been asked to submit more detailed applications.

One plan would create an arts centre and cinema and the other a health and fitness club, family pub and restaurant.

But the Richmond Station Group, set up to represent the views of those who live in the area, said neither was the best solution for Richmond residents.

It wanted the idea of a trust to be considered - a suggestion which was enough to persuade the district council to delay a final decision until January 9. Since then, other interested parties have been encouraged to join the project and, following the formation of a steering group, a leaflet has been distributed urging people to support the Richmond Station Preservation Trust.

If enough people are prepared to back it financially, then it is hoped the building will become a community asset.

The steering committee has emphasised some of the uses suggested by the developers may still be incorporated in its own proposals.

However, the immediate priority is to ensure people have their say and the leaflets include forms which encourage residents to indicate their preference.

More information about the trust's proposals can be found online at www.richmondstation.com. Copies of the leaflet are available by writing to Friends of Richmond Station Building Preservation Trust, Freepost, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 4BR.