A CONSULTANT who has drawn up an arts strategy for Richmondshire, is to be asked to fill in the details by compiling a business plan.

The district council will use unspent cash in its budget to cover the cost of extra research by Gillian Howells.

It is hoped the finished product will prove the template for future policies.

The district council was told this week there is public enthusiasm for a cohesive approach to the arts.

Executive director Tony Clark told the economic, cultural and leisure committee: "We should think about moving forward to create an arts development agency to put it into practice."

The next step is to set up a working group of key partners to implement an action plan.

The Mayor of Richmond, Councillor John Harris, welcomed the proposals, and suggested a survey of all potential arts venues in the district.

He said: "There is considerable demand for a cinema in Richmond. Perhaps a suitable building could be identified for a part-time cinema.''

Councillor Katherine Carr congratulated Richmond School on its bid to become a centre for the arts.