THERE was disappointment this week that Bedale failed to win up to £1m in government money to help revive its economic fortunes as the town prepares to celebrate its 750-year-old market charter.

Mr Mick Jewitt, head of planning policy and economic development at Hambleton council, said the authority had submitted detailed bids in support of both Thirsk and Bedale because it was felt there was a need and a commitment in both communities.

But the final decision to award funding to Thirsk, in the second wave of government payouts designed to revive the rural economy, rested on the recommendation of the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and the Countryside Agency.

Coun John Weighell, mayor of Bedale, said: "I am obviously disappointed but wish Thirsk all the best. Both Bedale and Thirsk have been suffering over recent years.

"Bedale has to try to attract more people to stop rather than passing through. There are plenty of ideas around but it is a matter of getting funding."

Coun Weighell said it was now important for Bedale to press ahead in preparing a community investment prospectus in its attempt to win funding from the separate single regeneration budget (SRB). One meeting had already been held in the town and he was seeking another soon.

Specific reference will be made to Bedale when the new scrutiny committee at Hambleton examines council policy on market town regeneration, although Mr Jewitt said the authority would continue to press the need for additional money in other towns.

He said it was still hoped to get some help for Bedale, probably through a detailed "health check" funded by Yorkshire Forward and the Countryside Agency.

Mr Jewitt said: "I think members have been mindful of what the local community and planning officers have been saying. Bedale has a number of vacant shops and other properties for sale and there are significant disused areas behind the market place. Some of the problems facing market towns also stem from competition elsewhere."