A HARD-HITTING report on the Malton and Norton area calls for better community facilities and the creation of a high-tech business park to create new employment.

Other key findings:

There is a need to improve the appearance of town centre shops.

Malton's railway and bus stations, being so close to each other, should be developed into a transport interchange to serve the area.

There is a lack of community facilities so the cinema and Milton Rooms should be restored and developed.

It is estimated that 8pc of Ryedale's 22,500 properties are unfit and relative high prices for houses makes it difficult for ordinary folk to find suitable accommodation.

Eight working groups are being set up to tackle such issues as economic development, the town centres, community facilities, youth services, transport, history, culture and the environment.

The publication of the 100-plus page report by the Malton and Norton Area Partnership, through the Market Towns Initiative, has been funded by The Government's Countryside Agency, Yorkshire Forward and Ryedale District Council.

Donna Lee, the programme manager for the partnership, said the report is probably the most important to be produced on the twin towns and will be used to seek major funding to tackle the issues it raises.

It is vital, she said, to act on the report. "There have been many studies, surveys and pieces of research carried out on Malton and Norton since 1990. Unfortunately, many of their recommendations did not come to fruition and are still relevant today."

They include catering more for tourists, encouraging coach parties, providing better signage, road access, information guides, reduction of traffic and improvements to the town centre.

Ms Lee believes opportunities available through the Market Towns Initiative provide Malton and Norton with the prospect of a brighter future.A HARD-HITTING report on the Malton and Norton area calls for better community facilities and the creation of a high-tech business park to create new employment.

Other key findings:

There is a need to improve the appearance of town centre shops.

Malton's railway and bus stations, being so close to each other, should be developed into a transport interchange to serve the area.

There is a lack of community facilities so the cinema and Milton Rooms should be restored and developed.

It is estimated that 8pc of Ryedale's 22,500 properties are unfit and relative high prices for houses makes it difficult for ordinary folk to find suitable accommodation.

Eight working groups are being set up to tackle such issues as economic development, the town centres, community facilities, youth services, transport, history, culture and the environment.

The publication of the 100-plus page report by the Malton and Norton Area Partnership, through the Market Towns Initiative, has been funded by The Government's Countryside Agency, Yorkshire Forward and Ryedale District Council.

Donna Lee, the programme manager for the partnership, said the report is probably the most important to be produced on the twin towns and will be used to seek major funding to tackle the issues it raises.

It is vital, she said, to act on the report. "There have been many studies, surveys and pieces of research carried out on Malton and Norton since 1990. Unfortunately, many of their recommendations did not come to fruition and are still relevant today."

They include catering more for tourists, encouraging coach parties, providing better signage, road access, information guides, reduction of traffic and improvements to the town centre.

Ms Lee believes opportunities available through the Market Towns Initiative provide Malton and Norton with the prospect of a brighter future.

Updated: 11:03 Thursday, March 28, 2002