PRAYERS have been said for the future of traders.

Marjorie Warner led the prayer at Dallowgill Parish Church, in Ripon, after it was announced Abbott's furnishing store had an uncertain future. She said: "We pray for traders in Ripon whose future is uncertain."

Former city mayor, Councillor David Parnaby recently sparked a row when he claimed in a consultation document that it was "impossible to buy anything other than the most mundane items in the city's shops".

Mrs Warner, who aims to become a priest, said: "I don't know any of the traders personally but I do try to support them whenever I can.

Craig Kersey, chairman of Ripon Area Business Association, said: "I do not share the gloom and doom that seems to be creeping in from some quarters. But I do think any support for individual businesses like this must be welcomed."

Adrian Abbott, managing director of the family-run store, which has been trading for 152 years, said: "I think saying the prayer is lovely - such a nice touch when we are trying to save our business."

Ripon City councillors have distanced themselves from Coun Parnaby's remarks.