A SECOND report outlining what steps Richmond needs to take to revitalise its economy has been published.

The Town Centre Management Forum had already commissioned Glasgow-based Edaw to examine policies which could help rejuvenate the town centre.

Two years ago, members received the findings and the appointment of a town centre manager was among the recommendations which have been adopted since.

However, on Wednesday night, it was another consultant's findings which were under consideration.

This time, Darlington-based England and Lyle led a presentation which recommended the town try to attract new and more diverse retailers to the town, boost tourism promotion, develop the evening economy and pioneer environmental improvements.

Dr John England told about 50 people who turned up at the town hall that improvements must meet the needs of the 500,000 visitors who come to Richmond every year, and those of residents.

"The keys to success are to build on the town's tourism potential to attract visitor spending while, at the same time, making the town centre more attractive to residents as a place to shop to reduce the leakage of trade that is taking place," he said.

Of 96 shops in the town centre, 16 are empty, but town centre manager, Colin Grant, said a marketing exercise could target individual retailers and ask if they had considered opening in Richmond.

He admitted the town is never likely to attract larger high street stores but niche businesses and "showcase retailers" are a possibility.

Other programmes could also improve Richmond's fortunes, including the restoration of the Georgian theatre and the £2m redevelopment of the YMCA into a youth and community centre.

Chairman of the Town Centre Forum, Peter Warne, was upbeat after the meeting.

He said: "Richmond is a fantastic, busy town with fantastic people and, between us, I am sure we can make it even better,"