PLANNING officers have produced guidelines to save traditional shop frontages and signs.

Ryedale District Council has come up with the advice for people who are altering shopfronts or creating new ones.

Council planners now want people to give their opinions about the guidelines before they are finalised.

Councillor Robert Wainwright, chairman of the policy and resources committee, said: "I'm delighted to see these steps being taken to safeguard and improve the fabric of our historic town centres.

"Shopkeepers can be under much pressure to install a standardised frontage and to deal with security threats, and I hope this will allow us to work with them to meet their needs and keep character and quality in our high streets."

Copies of the draft guidelines can be seen at www.rye-dale.gov.uk, or by requesting a free copy from (01653) 600666 ext 335.

Opinions need to be sent to Emma Woodland at Ryedale District Council, Malton, by January 14.