Plans to transform "drab and dreary" Tadcaster into a vibrant 21st century town were unveiled today by business leaders and shopkeepers.

The new Millennium blueprint was presented to members of the local regeneration partnership in a last-ditch attempt to prevent Tadcaster from becoming a ghost town.

Proposals include pavement caf bars, regular "theme" markets, new riverside walks and restaurants, pedestrianisation of Kirkgate, new riverside housing, and development of shops with flats above them.

The ambitious plans have been drawn up by members of Tadcaster Chamber of Commerce, who say the Edwardian market town image is quaint, but insufficient to attract shoppers and tourists.

They have also suggested that a 20-acre business park be developed on the site of the Stora Ensa paper factory at Newton Kyme, which is to close next year.

Chamber president Brian Percival said: "Tadcaster town centre closes in effect mid-afternoon, and cultivating a pavement caf bar society will create a lively early and mid-evening lifestyle. The town is in terminal decline and has hardly anything to attract shoppers and visitors.

"It's drab and unexciting, and unless we change, it will die on its feet."

On a typical afternoon, shop assistants outnumbered customers by three to one, and its image was not being helped by the number of empty shops.

Mr Percival said the present riverside walk on the west side should be extended into a figure-of-eight loop taking in the east side and the bridge, together with a riverside restaurant.

He said: "At present there just aren't enough places for people to stay and eat or shop."