HAVING fulfilled its aim to bring extra trade to the village, the Gargrave Business Initiative is disbanding.

But it hopes that a new committee will be formed to continue its vital work.

The group was originally set up during the height of the foot and mouth crisis in June 2001 to ensure that each and every business in the area survived through working together and with other organisations to provide publicity for the area.

Sadly, the few remaining active members can no longer give the considerable amount of time and effort to organise events.

Committee member Linda Hartell-Payne, of the Dalesman Cafe, said: "The initiative has fulfilled its original aim and it is perhaps time for another organisation to come in and take over."

A new group may be formed in early spring to co-ordinate village events as part of the "Vital Villages" initiative which is a Government sponsored scheme.

The idea is that village committees create and develop long-term plans for the village.

Parish council chairman Alan Simpson said: "At the moment we are considering whether we should enter into the Vital Villages programme.

"I would hope we could form some sort of committee to ensure that some or all of the work carried out by Gargrave Business Initiative could continue."

Anyone who would like to part of the new group should contact Andrew Wood 01756 748306, Alan Simpson 01756 749418 or any parish councillor.

In the meantime, GBI members thank everyone who has supported any of its events.