HAMBLETON councillors came up with what is potentially Thirsk's best Christmas present - a commitment to put some cash into long-standing plans to revive one of the most depressing streets in the district.

Long Street has been deteriorating for years, plagued by heavy traffic, decaying buildings and indeterminate property uses. Parts of it look utterly desolate and, as one councillor put it recently, the only thing missing is the tumbleweed.

It is an issue of critical importance to the overall health of the town because it is the primary approach road for visitors from the north and south. At present it's as welcoming as Death Valley.

The much-heralded Market Town Initiative in Thirsk is half-way through its three-year lifespan. When it began many wondered how the £1m potentially at the town's disposal under the scheme would be spent. A properly-financed revitalisation of Long Street would be of lasting benefit to the town and the best way of using some of that £1m.

The council has agreed in principle to parting with its share of the £215,000 project cost subject to "budget priorities". That's encouraging but it is to be hoped that Hambleton will support its apparent willingness with practical commitment when the spending decisions are made.

There was also some good news for Northallerton this week. The prominent eyesore that is the former Great Mills DIY store at North End is to be redeveloped as the new home for North Yorkshire Timber. The tidying up of this location - again on a key approach road to the town - is long overdue.