The Driffield Renaissance Partnership is inviting the town council, local businesses and residents to formulate a 10-year plan to "help to ensure the town and the surrounding area is a great place to live, work and invest".

The partnership, funded by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and East Riding Council, has begun a period of public consultation on the project, the results of which will be revealed at its annual general meeting on February 6.

But a town councillor said the partnership should have done more to explain its role first.

Coun Brent Roach said: "Nobody has told us what this partnership is all about. We don't know what it's doing, who is paying for it and what it's for.

"The most important thing is the viability of the area. We need to get more businesses set up to give jobs to kids leaving school so they don't leave the area."

The partnership, which was formed a year ago, is hosting two exhibitions at the town council offices in Market Walk. The first is on Saturday from 10am to 3pm, followed by another on January 24 from 10am to 4pm.

Renaissance co-ordinator Helen Jackson said: "We want local people to tell us what is important to them. It's crucial we look to the future and work together to ensure Driffield remains a great place with an even brighter future."

The plan will be too late to influence the outcome of three retail planning applications for the town centre which were deferred last month.

Local traders and residents have already voiced their concerns over the proposals, saying they threaten the viability and identity of the town's high street and do not include provision for the community facilities they say the area needs.

Questionnaires on the 10-year plan are available from Driffield library and the town council offices until January 27.

For more details call Helen Jackson on (01377) 200529.