THE BUSINESS folk of Malton and Norton have dug deep in their pockets to show support for the new town centre management initiative.

Businesses in the twin towns have been asked to contribute £10 a month towards the initiative's cost. Less than a week after sending out the request, the cheques have started coming in.

Scotts Chartered Surveyors have taken on the town centre management role, and surveyor Malcolm Scott said things were looking encouraging.

"We had four arrive on Friday, and the request only went out on Tuesday," he explained.

One business, Jacksons Family Food Stores, on Newbiggin, paid up even before the request went out.

The town managers will attempt to improve the 'social and economic vitality' of Malton and Norton, which has been criticised for being poor.

They aim to do this in a number of different ways.One idea currently under way is the formation of a Town Centre Forum, which will give local people the a chance to say how they want the town improved.

Other ideas include promoting the town's racing heritage and Roman history, and improving 'public space' within the towns.

The town managers have been appointed, initially, on a six-month contract, and are being funded by the Fitzwilliam Estate, the Countryside Agency and Rydale District Council.

Mr Scott added: "I think people need to be assured the work we are doing is for their benefit," he said.

Businesses which contribute will have the right to use a special certificate, or marque, the idea being to show they have invested in Malton and Norton. The managers also hope to seek funding from other sponsors and Government sources.

Their next move is to look into car parking.A special meeting has been arranged to discuss the issue with Ryedale District Council and a questionnaire has been issued to business people to find out what their views are on the subject.The Town Centre Forum, a group of interested parties who will influence the work of the managers, is set to meet later this month.

A meeting has been arranged at St Michael's Church, on Malton Market Place for Monday, June 19, at 5.30pm.