PLANS to bring a traditional street fair into the heart of North Yorkshire's market towns have been rejected by local people.

A fairground operator wants to bring the funfair back to the Market Place in Thirsk.

Hopes had been expressed that, if approved, the fair would become an annual Easter event.

But traders and councillors objected to the proposal put forward by local operator Crows.

Now, having considered their views, senior members of Hambleton District Council have also rejected the scheme.

Members of the authority's cabinet were told that over the past two months, consultations had taken place.

Local businesses, organisations, and town and parish councils were among those asked for their views.

Their response was overwhelmingly against the idea, with most respondents saying they believed that it would hinder the town's regeneration efforts rather than help them.

Councillor June Imeson, the leader of the council, said yesterday: "We were surprised that local businesses and councillors rejected this idea.

"We felt it would be a good idea to try it for a year before making up their minds.

"However, it was not generally believed that a fair would help to regenerate the town or boost the recovery of tourism.

"Instead, a negative impact is expected, with traffic congestion, lack of parking, problems for town centre residents, anti-social behaviour, and conflict with the bank holiday market just some of the points highlighted by local people.

"We cannot give the go-ahead to this suggestion with such a strong level of disapproval existing."

Although the decision appears to have ruled out a fair returning to the Market Place, the town is not likely to miss out entirely.

A number of other venues were suggested during the consultation, including the racecourse, the Flatts and the Holmes.

Council officials have now been instructed to discuss them with the fairground operators.