A £1M strategy aimed at the regeneration of Richmond over the next five years could create jobs and revitalise the town centre.

The first draft was unveiled on Wednesday by consultants EDAW, who had been hired by the town centre forum.

According to consultant Mr Chris Duffill, the forum must re-invent itself to take on the prime responsibility for the strategy, setting up a streamlined board as "independent champions". A full-time town centre manager should also be appointed.

The targets are. -

l 150 new jobs in the town centre

l 50pc increase in retail turnover

l 25pc reduction in empty shops

l 50pc increase in visitors

l a continued reduction in crime levels

l 50 new residents

He said: "Since its establishment in 1998, the forum has become increasingly moribund and constrained by a lack of resources. In consequence, it is no longer able to secure effective representation from all of the partners.

"There is a degree of uncertainty over its role and public perceptions have tended to focus on inaction."

"Do nothing is not an option," he warned. "At the same time you are sitting here talking about Richmond, other market towns around the country are having a similar discussion and it is likely that includes Thirsk, Ripon and Northallerton."

The new Tesco store at Catterick Garrison was already having an impact on local shops, although it would take about nine months to assess that accurately.

The forum's vision was "a prosperous, lively and attractive town for residents, shoppers, visitors and tourists and the business community".

"We think it is a good aspiration to have," said Mr Duffill. "To try to turn Richmond around. It is not the worse place we have done, but it is not the most dynamic either.

"Our work has focused on what you need do to fulfil that dream."

Marketing the town, giving shop fronts a revamp, staging more visitor attractions and setting up a culture of family- friendly pubs and restaurants were all part of the agenda.

Comments on the draft report should be submitted to Mr Ken Wilson, Richmond town centre manager at Swale House, Frenchgate, Richmond, DL10 4JE or e-mail him at ken