THE first steps in creating a Neighbourhood Plan for Kirkbymoorside have been put to the town council.

Planning consultant Kathryn Jukes told councillors it was vital the local community was behind the venture, which would highlight the potential need to earmark sites for such things as homes, employment and larger school accommodation.

She said views should be sought on what people wanted to see in Kirkbymoorside and for the council to support a referendum.

Ms Jukes, director of Directions planning consultancy, who helped mastermind a similar plan for Malton, said the key issues needed to be decided and then followed with a detailed report. “It is important to put forward positive statements not negatives ones,” she said.

She urged the council to build interest in creating a plan. She said her organisation would be able to help draft questionnaires and documents, help with the consultation, collate evidence, design a website and run training workshop.

The town’s mayor, Councillor Chris Dowie, said: “We now have a lot of information about creating a plan.”

The issue would be discussed at the next council meeting.