A THREAT is looming over the historic and unspoiled market town of Malton.

While its people, businesses, and town council want to take a once-only opportunity to revive the town centre with a sensitive redevelopment of the old livestock market, they face having an alternative and damaging scheme foisted on them.

This threat comes from Ryedale District Council, which wants to sell off a car park to the highest bidder for a Tesco superstore.

The same council is the planning authority that would grant, or refuse, both proposals.

The town can only take one.

Whereas the livestock market scheme, involving a high-quality food store, additional smaller retail units to attract modern high street shops to Malton, plus parking, is likely to bring more customers to existing retailers, a superstore selling everything would draw them away, threatening established businesses.

We are recording our support for the scheme that Malton has opted for.

We call on the district council to uphold national and local planning policies to protect the vitality and viability of town centres, and to respect the clear will of the people of Malton.

The Hon Simon Howard, Castle Howard; The Hon Sir Richard Storey, Settrington; the Dowager Lady Middleton, Birdsall; Lady Clarissa Collin, Pockley; the Earl and Countess of Mexborough, Hawnby; Sir Richard Beckett, Rievaulx; Jake Duncombe, Duncombe Park; Nicholas Wrigley, Ganton; James Fenwick, Terrington, and Prof Oliver James, Sleighthomedale, plus many others.