THE first steps in Thirsk's £1m market town regeneration programme were taken this week.

The steering group for the Thirsk Market Town Initiative was formed and decided to employ a consultant at a cost of £10,000 to prepare an action plan of improvement projects.

It also appointed a leading local businessman as its chairman.

Addressing the meeting in Thirsk Town Hall on Wednesday, Mr Steve Quartermain, of Hambleton District Council, told the volunteers from all sectors of the community that time was of the essence as each day wasted would cost money.

Although the grant available over the next three years was over £300,000, if outside funding is accessed, it could mean up to £1m being spent in regenerating the market town and district.

"We are on a very tight schedule here and need to have a draft action plan in front of the steering group by Christmas so that any projects can be formulated and put in action by April 1," he said.

Although Hambleton District Council hosted the meeting, the initiative will now be handed over to the steering group which will form several working parties.

The district council will provide backup support and a secretariat.

"But this is your intitiative and the steering group will have the power to act on projects put forward by working parties," Mr Quartermain said.

Before the election of a chairman for the steering group a general discussion was held on what form this should take.

Local businessman Mr Phillip Tate asked why the town council could not run the initiative partnership.

"The council meets every month, it has offices and a clerk. Surely it is a slap in the face not to appoint the council to oversee this," he said.

The mayor, Coun Mrs Freda Roberts, said that to do this councillors would be attending meetings until 3am in the morning.

"There is far too much work to do for the council to take this on by themselves, and we are not representative of the whole community," she said.

Coun David Murkett agreed: "This initiative and funding is not just for Thirsk but for the outlying districts too. It would be asking too much of the 11 councillors and the part-time clerk," he said.

The steering group was appointed with representatives from across the community including businesses, the council, youth and voluntary organisations.

Local businessman, Mr Lindsay Ross of Severfield-Rowan on the Dalton industrial estate, was appointed chairman for future meetings.

Mr Mick Jewitt, head of plannig and economic development for the district council, said afterwards: "This was a very productive and fruitful meeting.