PLANS have been produced to breathe life into a run-down area after decades of delay.

Mayor of Ripon Councillor David Parnaby has called on residents to give their verdict on the plans, which are due before a Ripon area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council.

The proposal is for a supermarket, shops, parking and flats on a site behind Ripon market place.

Coun Parnaby's late father, Wilf, had pressed for improvements to the site 40 years ago when he was a member of the city council.

He had suggested a relief road, which is now part of the development package.

"Having waited so long for proposals to come forward, I am delighted that at last there is something on paper and actually submitted as a planning application," said Coun Parnaby.

The public can view the plans at the town hall on Wednesday, February 11, from 10.30am to 6.30pm, and the following day until 6pm.

The scheme has been submitted by the Eric Wright Group, of Preston, Lancashire.

Coun Parnaby said: "At present there are some things you just cannot buy in Ripon, which means people shop outside. We need more shops because the employment situation is much better and people have money in their pockets."

A presentation on the project will be given to Ripon Civic Society, the City Partnership, Ripon City Council and the Ripon Area Business Association.