PLANS to breathe new life into Tadcaster town centre got a mixed reception at a public meeting.

The multi-million-pound scheme, drawn up by Samuel Smith brewery, has won the backing of Tadcaster Chamber of Trade - but was greeted less enthusiastically by residents last night.

At a packed Riley-Smith Hall last night, more than 260 residents voted to support the plans in principle, but made it clear they wanted more consultation and involvement.

Residents in St Joseph's Street also expressed concerns about plans to divert traffic from Boston Spa along their street, allegedly increasing traffic movements by two-thirds to 7,000 a day.

Town councillor Chris Metcalfe said today that the majority of residents at the meeting voted for the plans, but with major reservations.

Coun Metcalfe said: "In relation to the plans, more thought needs to be given to residents rather than bricks and mortar.

"I don't think the meeting took this vision of Tadcaster any further forward. It's difficult to make any progress until the issue of the Central Area car park is resolved."

There has been a long-running legal wrangle over the car park between Selby District Council and the brewery. It will come to court again next month after the brewery challenged some rights of way issues.

Mayor of Tadcaster Richard Sweeting said today the town council had never been consulted about the major traffic changes to St Joseph's Street.

Resident Gordon Spencer, who chaired last night's meeting, said: "No scheme can be all things to all people. I believe the gain is greater than the inconvenience. "

Updated: 14:50 Tuesday, April 30, 2002