CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn Richmond's old railway station into a music venue have been dropped.

Neighbours were concerned that proposals submitted by a local business consortium would prove to be a thinly-veiled attempt to open a nightclub on the southern edge of town.

In response, a residents' group was formed, which pledged to monitor applications for new uses for the building.

As a result, it was standing room only at a meeting of Richmondshire District Council's resources committee on Tuesday night when the authority was expected to reveal details of all the bids it has received.

Members were told there are now four applicants vying for the building, but the Station Group is not among them.

Details of the alternative schemes will be revealed at a meeting next month where the public will have an opportunity to have their say.

"We have four promising bids to consider and it seems only fair and reasonable that residents are given the opportunity to meet the applicants and discuss their proposals in depth," said resources committee chairman, Councillor Raymond Alderson.

Although the alternatives have not been revealed, the council's own policies mean the station building will have to be used for leisure purposes.

Ideas rumoured to be under consideration include a cinema or sports centre.

However, there are some within the council and the local community still smarting from the demise of the Garden and Farm Supply Centre which occupied the building for more than 20 years.

Some traders have claimed their own custom has suffered since the business closed.