RESEARCH is under way into methods to boost the fortunes of market towns across the Hambleton district.

A review has been announced which will try to establish how many more companies would consider expansion or relocation to the area if the right training and development opportunities were available.

The project is to be led by Hambleton District Council's environment and economic overview and scrutiny committee.

Members have been asked to find out if the authority is making the most of job opportunities, and if the public transport network is sufficient to make it easy for most of the working population to get to and from work.

"We want to look at ways of maximising job opportunities in Hambleton," said the committee chairman, Councillor Peter Brown.

"To do that, we will establish if more land is needed for industrial developments and if training is adequate. We will also look at work experience opportunities and transport links."

It is hoped the review will be completed before the end of the year.