BUSINESS leaders have warned that one of the UK’s most historic cities could be "left behind" if councillors seek to pursue the county’s budding science and technology industry.

Like much of North Yorkshire, Ripon’s economy has become increasingly reliant on tourism in recent years.

But Judith Donovan, chairwoman of the Greater Ripon Improvement Partnership, has warned Harrogate District Council, which includes Ripon, against a rapid shift away from the city’s economic foundations.

Research has shown that science and technology is expected to account for more than £1bn of North Yorkshire’s economy by 2015.

Mrs Donovan said: "There are issues surrounding administration of Harrogate district and where Ripon slots in.

"There are significant differences in the economic drivers of the two locations.

"While Harrogate is more focused on hi-tech, Ripon has a much more traditional economic base.

"I am worried that Ripon, and much of the district, could be left behind."

Councillor Don Mackenzie, leader of the district council, stressed Ripon’s importance to the district’s economy.

He said: "The council happens to be named after Harrogate, but it is not simply about the town.

"The council recognises that Ripon, and towns like Knaresborough, are important to the town’s economic vitality."

Meanwhile, officials are calling on tourism operators to help set up a partnership in an effort to further boost the county’s holiday industry.

The board will advise on the delivery of tourism services across the huge rural area of Ryedale and the North York Moors.

The move is a joint one between the district council and the agency Welcome to Yorkshire.

Janet Deacon, area director of Welcome to Yorkshire, added: "We are working to drive tourists into the area and have some fantastic campaigns lined up for this year.

"It is essential that we come together to enable us to continue to increase market share for this area."

She said they were looking for representatives on the new board from various parts of the tourism industry and across the Ryedale and North York Moors National Park area.

An open meeting will be held in Malton, on June 16, after which the advisory board will be set up.

It is proposed that the group would meet three times a years, avoiding the main tourism season.

For more information, email tourism@ryedale.gov.uk, or call 01653-600666 ext 326, by June 9.