TWO market towns have been targeted to benefit from a new development programme.

Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, aims to enhance the two rural areas in the first year of its ten-year Renaissance Market Town (RMT) programme.

The initiative has selected Northallerton and Bedale as priority towns under the programme and initial talks are likely to begin early next month. A significant part of the funding for the project is expected to be provided by Hambleton District Council. The authority's cabinet meets on Thursday and is likely to support the RMT work.

The programme will focus on issues such as the provision of good quality employment opportunities, business environments, access to digital communications technology, skilled local labour and high quality local services.

Steve Quartermain, the council's planning and environmental services director, said: "The RMT programme aims to support the development of rural market towns to increase their economic prosperity, quality and attractiveness as places to live, work and visit, and to address their future sustainability."

If given the go-ahead, the process will involve the establishment of a local partnership - known as a town team - in Bedale and Northallerton.

These groups will be the driving force behind each town's development programme and will build upon any existing partnerships that are in place.

Yorkshire Forward will also provide each of the towns with a panel of experts to offer technical support and assistance on the main issues that will be targeted.

Mr Quartermain said that the key areas of expertise include planning and transportation, architecture and urban design, rural development, retail and town centre strategy, marketing, business, leisure and tourism.

"The outcome of the RMT process will be a vision for the long-term economic future of the town and its hinterland," said Mr Quartermain.

The work will also see the completion of a Master Plan and an Action Plan for both towns, which will include a portfolio of any developing projects.

Yorkshire Forward has proposed a launch date of early July for work to begin in both towns. It is expected to be completed by March of next year.