PLANS to revitalise Richmond's old station will be discussed at a public meeting on Thursday evening.

The building has been empty since the Garden and Farm Supply Centre closed, owner Mike Pattison blaming the district council which would only offer a short-term lease.

In reply, the authority insisted the area had been earmarked for leisure in its blueprint for the future - and has been trying ever since to attract a new owner with appropriate plans.

An unidentified consortium of local business people is now known to be negotiating with the council in the hope of winning permission for a music venue and restaurant, ticket office and a shop selling railway memorabilia.

However, people with homes nearby claim the proposals sound like a nightclub.

As a result, the St Martin's Parish Council has called a meeting at the rugby club on Richmond's Theakston Lane at 6pm on Thursday.