Major economic study aims to drive forward investment

Hambleton District Council has set aside £100,000 for an analysis into how the area has faired since the last study was carried out in 2005. The results will be fed into a new economic blueprint for the district.

Last week it was announced that HMP Northallerton is to close by next March, alongside three others across the country. In August, workers at the Rural Payments Agency, in Northallerton, were told the department is being relocated as part of Government cost-cutting moves and the operation in the town will close in a move which will see more than 350 staff affected.

The council’s deputy leader, Coun Peter Wilkinson, said: “Hambleton District Council’s new cabinet is committed to being a business friendly council going for growth.

“And the study couldn’t be coming at a better time – with the recent announcements about the closure of both the DEFRA offices and the Northallerton Prison, it is more important than ever that we work to drive forward the economy of the district.

“The study - and the recommendations it will provide - will inform our economic strategy and our potential investments for the next five to 10 years.”

The council’s business and community officer, Mark Haynes, said the public sector had been hit in the downturn. There had also been a number of losses at North Yorkshire County Council which is grappling with millions of pounds in cuts to its budgets.

He said it was important to plan ahead to ensure that things like roads and other infrastructure were in place to attract businesses and ensure companies wanted to base themselves in the area.

He added there had also been a lot of change since the last report, such as consumers doing more shopping on the internet and maintained future planning was vital to ensure town centres remain vibrant and respond to the changes.

The study will be undertaken by Manchester based GVA. Businesses will be asked their views and there will also be shopper, visitor and household surveys.