AN AMBITIOUS plan to restore Malton’s historical links with Charles Dickens has been abandoned because of apathy and a lack of money.

Work had already started on developing the building in Chancery Lane, which was the model used for Scrooge’s counting house in A Christmas Carol.

Plans had included multi-media displays and interactive exhibits as well as opening up additional rooms to show life in the mid-19th century.

But Malcolm Chalk, the man who has masterminded the initiative for three years, said this week: “We held an open day at the building, inviting up to 40 business people in Malton, but not only did they not turn up, but they didn’t even send apologies.”

Mr Chalk said that the original costing had been put at £40,000, but it had been cut back to £29,000. The only donation locally had been £1,000 from the Fitzwilliam Estate, added Mr Chalk.

Now, the Charles Dickens (Malton) Society has “reluctantly” relinquished plans for the development.

“Despite the best efforts of local society members and trustees, applications for grants to fund the cost have been unsuccessful and appeals for support from local businesses have produced disappointing levels of response,” said Mr Chalk.

The society is now to terminate its lease on the premises at the end of next month.

Mr Chalk said: “I was hoping that the Dickens House attraction would provide the impetus to establish other museums and experiences in the Yorkersgate area of Malton.”

He said that the society had raised thousands of pounds for building lease payments and initial building work. He added that he was dismayed “at the level of apathy” in the Malton business community.

Malton’s mayor, Coun Jason Fitzgerald-Smith, described the decision as “disappointing”.

“It had the potential to be a major tourist attraction for Malton and an opportunity to display a remarkable piece of literary history,” he said.

“When the counting house was open during the Victorian Weekend last year it proved very popular.

“The property will always be known as Scrooge’s Counting House and we must retain the famous door knocker.

“I do hope that one day it can be restored as it was when it was a counting house because it would be a great asset to Malton’s economy.”