A PARTNERSHIP approach could be enough to attract cash from Europe to revitalise a run-down industrial estate on the edge of the A1 in North Yorkshire.

Some of the units in Gatherley Road, Brompton-on-Swale, are derelict while parcels of land, ripe for redevelopment, stand empty.

Richmondshire District Council's economic development chiefs say they haven't the cash to pay for an in-depth study of the way ahead.

At a meeting this week, they suggested businesses which are still operating in the area could team up to lead a bid for money from Brussels to pump-prime regeneration schemes.

Although the district authority has no financial resources, it could offer advice on procedures.

Economic development officer, Geoff Herbert, said: "One of the difficulties of European funding is everyone wants to be made a special case. I agree there is a need to kick start the area but the overriding philosophy of Objective 2 is that it is community-led. The council can assist the community but we can't actually take it on as a district council project.''

Ward councillor Jim Fryer warned business people were already stretched trying to keep their companies afloat and would not have time to put together complex documents.

The meeting agreed to offer advice on attracting funding when it became available later this year, in association with the small business service, and to approach other organisations to see if matched funding was available. A further report will follow when the same committee meets in September.