'Action needed to turn our fortunes around' (From Gazette & Herald)

'Action needed to turn our fortunes around'

A LEADING Malton trader is calling for action to improve the town's economy.

Gavin Read, of TVC Electrical, is questioning the effectiveness of the Malton and Norton Initiative (MNI) in boosting the fortunes of the town.

He has also vetoed the idea of giving some of his business rates to the new Yorkshire Forward-pioneered project to fund promotions and regeneration schemes.

Mr Read said: "I have lived in Malton all my 37 years and been in business for the past 12 years. I just find it mind-blowing what these so-called experts are coming up with."

Mr Read added that he could not see what benefits the MNI had brought to the towns and criticised the standard of this year's festive lights. "The lights in Thornton-le-Dale have been far superior to those in Malton and Norton," said Mr Read.

"There are a lot of frustrations in the towns but I don't think the traders are apathetic."

He added: "I see Malton going in a strange direction and I would like to see the readers of the Gazette & Herald put forward their views on the town's future."

Mr Read was also critical of Malton Market. "Why doesn't the town council run it? The profits could go back into the town and maybe support certain events throughout the year. My biggest complaint is why the farmers' market is not part of the town market - it is supposedly for local producers to sell their wares."

Holding Malton Show on a Sunday - as is planned for 2006 - will be a mistake, forecasts Mr Read. He suggested it should return to Malton instead of being held at Scampston Hall and added that he would not, as in previous years, be taking part with a stand.

"It was a sad day when the show moved out of the town," he said. "People could be ferried into Malton to the showfield rather than be transported to Scampston. I for one won't be going to the show as I think my Sunday off is very precious to myself and my staff. I'm sure many other trade stands will also agree. I know things must change to draw the crowds but surely there are better ways than Sunday trading."

Mr Read said it was vital that people shopped in Malton. "There are already too many empty shops."

Jason Fitzgerald-Smith, chairman of Malton and Norton Initiative, said it had carried out significant work to promote the towns and their economies.

"We have helped to regenerate the towns by introducing such things as the Town Awards Scheme, highlighting the car parking charges issue, and bringing the Trackrod Rally to Malton, which had a major impact on the town.

"The initiative is run voluntarily by business people in the towns - people who are successful in their own right and who are prepared to put their expertise and time to good use for the benefit of the towns."

While he accepted that the Christmas lighting displays had been below par this year, Mr Fitzgerald-Smith pointed out that when an appeal for volunteer help was issued, there was only one response.

"We want people to get involved, especially if they are so concerned about Malton and Norton. There is a lot of goodwill but we need to harness it to bring benefits to everyone in Malton and Norton."

Updated: 11:13 Wednesday, January 04, 2006