Volunteer group unveils growth plans for struggling city economy

Among the new aims for the coming year in the business plan for the Greater Ripon Improvement Partnership, include a strategic review of the Ripon Market and market opportunities, a “where to eat in Ripon” directory, setting up a landlords forum and the evaluation of a small business hub concept.

The announcement comes as the body has published its review of last year in which it emerged nearly 80 per cent of its suggested initiatives were realised, including submitting a bid to turn Ripon into one of 12 national pilot areas overseen by retail guru Mary Portas to transform the struggling high street economy.

The Department for Communities and Local Government says a decision is due to be announced in the coming days as to which of the bids prepared by 371 towns to become one of 12 Portas pilot areas have been successful.

Reacting to the review of the Greater Ripon Improvement Partnership’s second year, chair Judith Donovan said: “To say we have a budget of £10,000 per annum, and the help of a part time manager one day a week, I never cease to be amazed at how much can be achieved by a group of volunteers who really care and really pull together.”

Earlier this week, the Yorkshire Post revealed a concerted campaign has been launched to revitalise the heart of Ripon after fears were voiced over the city’s retail and tourism sectors.

A new development plan spanning the next decade is set to be drawn up for the city, which was founded more than 1,300 years ago.

Like the whole of North Yorkshire, Ripon’s economy has become increasingly reliant on tourism in recent years but studies have shown that the city is not fulfilling its potential.