JUST over a year ago the Darlington & Stockton Times took the civic leaders of Richmond to task over the state of the town.

Commenting on the number of empty shops and the apparently inexorable decline in the town centre's fortunes, we wondered why such a beautiful place was not thriving like many other market towns not blessed with the same natural attributes.

The implication of our remarks was that there was something wrong with the leadership of the town. Perhaps not surprisingly they reacted to our views with anger.

Many things were going on behind the scenes, they said, initiatives which would shortly bear fruit. Watch this space was the message.

We are pleased to say they kept to their word. The situation has improved. The Richmond Town Centre Forum, in particular, has brought about a change in the town's retail fortunes.

Thanks to some aggressive marketing, new shops have been attracted and fewer businesses have moved out. Such is the renewed health of the town, the first Retail Excellence Awards were held last month, showcasing the efforts of shop staff to be welcoming to residents and visitors alike.

Other developments have help to lift Richmond's image, most notably the refurbishment of the Georgian Theatre Royal. Less spectacular perhaps, but no less impressive in its own small way, has been the Mayor of Richmond's regular clean-ups of the town which galvanised many townsfolk to roll up their sleeves and make a difference to their environment in a very practical way.

It promises to be a good Christmas in Richmond too. The Christmas market, including farmers' and craft markets, will be spread over two days. A range of complementary attractions are being planned and the whole event will be supported by the D&S Times.

Not all of the town's problems are solved, of course, but the downward decline has definitely been halted. Much remains to be done but there is hope that Richmond can fulfil its undoubted potential for both residents and visitors.