MORE opportunities for bright young people are needed, a report into the future of a seaside resort has concluded.

Whitby Market Town Initiative produced a draft action plan, sponsored by the Government's Countryside Agency and Yorkshire Forward, as a blueprint to win investment for the port.

John Trebble, Scarborough council's chief executive, said the report highlighted key areas of investment, such as the Whitby upper harbour development, the town's business park and development of workspaces.

He said:"The action plan in its current format represents a wish list of projects from a range of different agencies, organisations and groups."

Issues raised in the report include pedestrianising Whitby's narrow town centre streets, the need to find alternative jobs to combat the decline in fishing and farming, and improvements in educational standards.

The report highlights the number of young people moving into the town, many of whom are single and unemployed and include offenders.

Whitby Network Group says it fears the planned re-visit of The Endeavour, the replica of Captain James Cook's ship in June will bring more such young people into the town.

The port could become the 'tall ships' capital of the world, says the report, and should go "upmarket" to attract a higher spending tourist.

Calls are also made for improved road links between Scarborough, Pickering and Guisborough and an extended rail link to Pickering.