THE PLIGHT of Norton's beleagured town centre shopping could soon be improving with the launch of a new business enterprise scheme.

In recent years, a number of its once thriving shops have closed, but hopes are high that new entrepreneurs could be persuaded to take them over.

Norton Town Mayor Coun Keith Mennell said: "The present situation does cause the council concern and has done for well over a year."

Traditionally, he says, Norton residents do their weekly shopping in Malton but use Norton shops for the rest of the week.

"We have a lot going for Norton with ample parking and premises on a busy road. I would very much like to see the empty shops occupied."

Ideally, Coun Mennell says he would like to see Norton boast a fishmonger, a greengrocer, another bakery, a children's outfitters, and a shoe shop.

"There is considerable potential, not only because of the size of the town but because of its drawing power over a wide area and our excellent parking."

Donna Lee, the manager of the Malton and Norton Partnership, says signs are looking encouraging with the launch in the next few weeks of a new service being provided by the Government-funded Business Link, at the town centre manager's office in Malton.

Backed by the Government's Countryside Agency and Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, the new service which is costing £30,000 to become established, will see business consultants giving advice, said Mrs Lee.

"New and existing businesses can benefit from the advice and as a result of it we hope we can encourage a number of people to set up in Norton."

Help in drawing up business plans will be given as part of the professional advice on offer to would-be new businessmen and women.

Mrs Lee estimates that there could be as many as 18 empty premises in Norton which could become hives of industry, creating jobs, boosting the town's economy and enhancing its image.

"Some of the shops have been empty for years" she added.

There are hopes, too, that the derelict Coronation Rooms in Norton could get a new lease of life.

"If we can get at least some of these empty premises brought back into economical use, it will revitalise Norton's town centre and stop it looking down at heel."

There was optimism, too, from Denys Townsend, chairman of Malton and Norton Chamber of Trade, who believes the empty premises in Norton, coupled with the new Business Link scheme offers new opportunities.

"We are seeing the chance for people to run their own business. We want to encourage any new opportunity because everyone benefits - existing businesses and other traders and it will also improve the appearance of Norton."

The town had the potential to become a centre where people could open shops with an individual style, rather than the typical High Street chains.

Mick Gains, the town centre manager for Malton and Norton, said: "The lack of shops in Norton does concern me because it limits the choice of local people. We want to create a seamless shopping experience with shops, services and businesses serving the public right through Malton and Norton. The deterioration in Norton has gone on for too long and it will be a difficult task to claw back the situation, but I think it can be done, initially through the new Business Advice Centre which we shall be launching in April."

Anyone interested in starting their own business or expanding an existing one through the new Business Link scheme, is asked to contact Mr Gains on (01653) 692999.

Updated: 10:21 Thursday, February 14, 2002