BUSINESS chiefs in Malton and Norton will face "bleak years" ahead unless they back a new rural boom town scheme, they have been warned.

Paul Beanland said it was very important the towns' drive to become a business improve district (BID) succeeded.

Mr Beanland, estate agent and board member of the Malton and Norton Initiative (MNI), claimed businesses signing up to the venture would see about £35,000 returned to the towns for each of the next five years.

Speaking at a meeting to drum up support for the BID scheme, Roddy Bushell, manager of the Fitzwilliam Estate, said: "If we don't do it we shall go back to the days when we had no money, no power and no voice."

Last month, the Evening Press reported how Malton Town Council had given the BID scheme the thumbs-down.

Councillors were concerned they could not afford to take part.

BID members would have to pay an extra 1.5 per cent of their business rate, up to a maximum of £750.

More details about BIDs can be obtained from the MNI office in Castlegate, Malton, phone 01653 692999.

Updated: 10:49 Thursday, January 26, 2006