Budget setback for twin towns (From Gazette & Herald)

Budget setback for twin towns

A CLAMP has been put on funding for Malton and Norton's town centre management group by Ryedale district councillors.

The community services and licensing committee recently approved a £5,000 subsidy for the Malton and Norton Initiative, an amalgamation of the Town Centre Management Company and the Chamber of Trade, by a single vote.

But at a subsequent policy and resources committee meeting, members overturned the decision.

Committee chairman Robert Wainwright said: "We've funded it for the last three years and felt that by now they should be self-sufficient and the town's businesses should be funding it."

Coun Wainwright said the council had not actually seen a statement of how the money would be spent.

Mayor of Malton, Coun Ann Hopkinson, said Malton and Norton were important towns because they had a number of features unique to them compared with the other Ryedale towns, like the rail link and the cattle market. Coun Hopkinson said it was important that the towns were promoted by the management group.

"They've done some good things, like supporting the Trackrod Rally, organising the Concert Under The Stars, and the music in churches. However, I don't think they've got as much money from businesses as they wanted. It would be nice if the district council did grant the cash."

Peter Mudge, town manager, said: "I just want the council to be honest and say if they want to be in partnership with us or not."

He said membership was booming and that more than 160 businesses were members.

Members pay an annual subscription to the association to provide core funds, which paid for office costs and the town manager's wage. The cash from the council would be used to put on events and promote them.

The group has just launched the Malton And Norton Town Awards, which gives shoppers the chance to vote for their favourite stores, food and drink establishment, and health, beauty or fitness centre.

The funding matter will go before a meeting of the full council on March 3 at Ryedale House, Malton.

Updated: 11:10 Tuesday, February 22, 2005