IT is hoped that a clean-up planned for the first week of November will breathe new life into Richmond.

People have complained that the market town, at the foot of Swaledale, has been looking tired and could benefit from some revitalising initiatives.

When Councillor Stuart Parsons became mayor in May, he said that generating a new sense of civic pride would be one of his main objectives and a public meeting was called this week to give the public a chance to have their say.

However, many also wanted action rather than words, and most of the 70 people at the meeting pledged themselves to a clean-up on Sunday, November 3.

Volunteers will be divided into work parties and will spend the day weeding the town's paths and narrow alleyways and clearing litter.

"At the end of the evening, we asked if people wanted another meeting, but they said no, they would rather take physical action to improve the town rather than simply talk about it," said Councillor Parsons.

Meanwhile, another public meeting is planned for next week, when residents will have an opportunity to comment on a report commissioned by the Richmond Town Centre Forum Company, which members hope will point the way to a more prosperous future for the business community.

Darlington consultants England and Lyle were asked to suggest ways to fill some of the empty shops, rejuvenate the economy and attract more tourists to the town, and the results will be presented at the Town Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday.

As much as £100,000 is available from Yorkshire Forward over the next three or four years, with additional cash promised by Richmondshire District Council, Richmond Town Council and the Richmond Tourism and Business Association.

Town Centre Forum Company chairman, Peter Warne, said: "Provided the public support what the forum is proposing, we will be in a position to get on and start to make a real impact on the town."