Apathy has put an end to a group set up to bring improvements to Harrogate's central shopping zone.

Harrogate Town Centre Management, which organised outdoor events and attractions and tried to improve the lot of shoppers, has fallen victim to a lack of funds after traders showed a marked reluctance to stump up.

Its chairman, Charles Jesper, said that without a reasonable level of funding the initiative could not be moved forward with any confidence.

"This is despite strenuous efforts to encourage a far greater number of town centre businesses to support our aims with a small annual subscription."

Mr Jesper said the decision to suspend activities had been taken "with deep regret".

Updated: 11:11 Friday, May 25, 2001