A FORMER mayor of a North Yorkshire community is urging businesses not to panic at the closure of two shops n the town centre.

Richmond's only cobbler's shop is expected to shut within the next few days.

National rationalisation is understood to be the reason for the closure of Gullivers store, in Trinity Church Square.

Meanwhile, insolvency was the reason given for the closure of Captain Travel, in Finkle Street, last Thursday.

The Association of British Travel Agents has issued a statement indicating clients' holidays will not be affected, but the local business community remains concerned that the number of empty shops in the town centre seems to be growing.

Richmond's Business and Tourism Association spokesman, Dr Mike Nicholls, said: "There is grave concern Richmond is no longer able to supply all the needs for living and, when such a situation arises, local people will stop shopping here."

However, district and town councillor, John Harris said the town had the resilience to survive.

"These things seem to come in cycles," he said. "There have been similar difficulties in the past, but Richmond has come through them.

"It is natural that people are concerned, but these are the sort of issues the new Town Centre Forum Company will be focusing on in future.

"What we need to do is concentrate on making the town as attractive and vibrant as possible."

Councillor Harris said the results of an in-depth study of the town's road network was expected in the summer, while an announcement on the appointment of a new town centre manager was also imminent.

"We should try to keep things in context," he said.

"A few shops closing is not good news, but it is hardly a disaster."