A controversial bid to convert Richmond's old railway station into a music venue appears to have been dropped.

Neighbours were worried plans submitted by a local business consortium would prove to be a thinly-veiled attempt to open a nightclub on the southern edge of town.

Enough people were concerned to prompt the formation of a residents' group, which pledged to keep a close eye on applications for new uses for the building.

As a result, it was standing room only at a meeting of Richmondshire District Council's resources committee last Tuesday night, when the authority was expected to reveal details of all the bids it has received to date.

But, although members were told there are now four applicants vying for the building, the Station Group is not among them.

Details of the alternative schemes are now to be unveiled at a meeting next month where the public will have an opportunity to have their say.

The council's own policies mean that the station building will have to be used for leisure purposes. While a nightclub may have proved unpopular with residents, other ideas rumoured to be in the melting pot include a cinema or sports centre.