We ask you to help decide the kind of town you want to be part of, the flourishing town you want the next generation to inherit. You may think that as individuals you are powerless. This is not so, particularly now that this Government is keen to see local decisions taken by local communities, not just the planning powers-that-be. The people you elect to represent you – this May – will take note. Ask them where they stand.

Localism starts here and now. Malton today needs to make a vital decision for the future of our town. You, the people of Malton, should have your say in it.

The decision will be taken by those from across Ryedale elected to represent us. But it is one that you, the people of Malton itself, should rightly have a direct say in. If the Government’s new thinking about community-led decision-making – its “localism” agenda – is to have a real meaning, then right here, right now is where localism needs to begin.

On this decision rests the prosperity of the town centre – whether the shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and all the other traders will stay in business and thrive, and whether you will want to continue using them. What it comes down to for everyone is whether you are attracted to shop in Malton and whether the experience of coming into Malton is a pleasure, or a pain. We say it can be improved, and that it has to be improved.

The decision to allow a huge superstore would be a big mistake: large predatory sharks and smaller fish rarely swim together for long.

Your voice matters: but you need to make it heard

It’s obvious really. Make Malton easy to use, make people welcome, and more of the money currently spent by local people in York and its retail parks and in Scarborough will come to Malton. It’s a bit of a shock to realise that Malton is getting only £1 of every £6 spent by local residents. The town MUST become a better place to visit and shop, and those we elect to public office to represent us MUST act in the town’s best interests. Our future, and that of our children, depends on it. So, please HAVE YOUR SAY by completing the form on this website.