MALTON and Norton residents are being urged to have their say on the future of six prime development sites in the two towns which could have a major impact on their economy and quality of life.

Ryedale District Council is staging a two-day exhibition at the Milton Rooms, Malton, on Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1, with town planning consultants Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners, of Manchester, to seek the public's views on a number of options which are to be put forward, said Julian Rudd, the council's forward planning manager.

He said the exhibition, which will run from 2pm to 8pm on the Friday, and from 10am to 4pm on the Saturday, will set out a range of development options for each of six sites.

They are:

Yorkshire Woolgrowers and adjoining land at Welham Road, Norton;

The ATS site in Commercial Street, Norton;

The Sheepfoot Hill area of Malton;

The Former Dewhirst clothing factory site in Norton;

The riverside and bus station site, Norton;

The former Travis Perkins site in Malton.

"We are anxious for local people to turn out in force and put their views forward at the exhibitions because the development of these sites has potentially considerable benefits to both Malton and Norton," said Mr Rudd.

The sites are all in the hands of private landowners, said Mr Rudd, but the majority were keen to work with the council to see them put to a wide range of potential benefits to help the local economy, he added.

"We need new housing and employment sites and we believe these sites will offer a wide range of opportunities to create new jobs, and provide homes, especially much-needed affordable housing to keep families in the area. The sites also have potential to be used for leisure and entertainment facilities as well as public open space," said Mr Rudd.

The consultants had been given a brief to look at the whole economy and current issues in Malton and Norton, including traffic congestion, and to explore ideas which would benefit the communities of the towns by developing the sites.

"They are very significant sites in terms of locale and size - the Woolgrowers site, for instance, covers about 11 hectares," said Mr Rudd.

Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners was appointed earlier this year to look at the potential of the six sites to meet Malton and Norton's needs for the next ten to 15 years.

Matthew Whiteley, of Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners, the consultants, said: "These sites offer an exciting opportunity for the two towns to meet the need for new housing, particularly affordable housing, and community facilities in the area, and to broaden the local economy and provide new employment.

"Development of brownfield sites such as these, close to the town centres, will reduce pressure to develop the countryside and help to support local shops and services. However, they do present a number of challenging issues, such as flood risk and traffic, which will also be addressed through the study.

"I am looking forward to hearing the views of the people of Malton and Norton on the various options for the sites, and I hope they will go to the exhibition and influence the future of their towns."

The study, jointly funded by Ryedale council and regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, aims to maximise the benefits to the local community if the sites are developed, said Mr Rudd.

"We are looking to ensure high-quality development in terms of design and contribution to the local economy.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to engage with the planning process and help to shape the future of these sites. We are committed to ensuring that the community have a say in the future of the places where they live and work."

The consultants and council staff will be on hand to explain the optional schemes at the exhibition.

Updated: 10:40 Wednesday, April 21, 2004