Museum invites ideas for new cafe

In a bid to halt declining visitor numbers due to the economic downturn, the centre’s owners, Hambleton District Council, are drawing up plans for a refreshment area at the Kirkgate museum.

Coun Tim Swales said: “Research with our customers has revealed that if there was one improvement they would like us to make, it is to introduce a café.

“Around 24,000 people visit the attraction every year and with an average visit lasting about an hour-and-a-half – and with lots to take in during that time – it makes sense to make provision for a pit stop for a drink, snack and sit down.

“We are open to all suggestions. But everything must be of the highest quality, use locally sourced products, be an added feature to the centre and fit into the Herriot theme.”

The museum covers the life and books of the famous vet and author, who died in 1995. The Yorkshire Post revealed in August that it attracted just over 8,500 visitors between April and June, compared with 13,000 for the same period in 2010.