That's the ambition

of parish council chairman Cllr BrianSimpson, but the plan will only come to pass if residents agree to it.

Eastfield is one of the largest housing estates in North Yorkshire, with a population of around 6,000.

Cllr Simpson said: "I think becoming a town would give Eastfield its own identity and that is something I believe it deserves.

"It would raise Eastfield's profile and would bring about a new sense of civic pride within the area as well as enhancing public spirit."

A public consultation on the matter, which is expected to last three months, will now take place and Cllr Simpson added: "All we have to do to become a town is for the parish council to pass a resolution for

it to become a town council, but we will not do that before we receive the views of the residents."

Cllr Simpson is also calling for the new

1,200 home Middle Deepdale housing development to be renamed and recognised as part of Eastfield.

He said: "Nobody wants a separate housing estate. It has to be one area – one Eastfield – that is what we are striving for and what we are working towards."

Cllr Simpson added the new Eastfield farmers' market had got off to a promising start since its launch three weeks ago, with stalls selling fresh meat, fish and preserves.

He said: "The market is going well. I was there last Tuesday there were quite a few people there buying fresh food and fresh meat.

"Generally people seem happy with it and more and more people are getting to know it's there, not just from Eastfield but the surrounding area as well.

"I hope the momentum carries on because if it doesn't the stallholders will leave. It is over to the public. They will govern whether or not it takes off."

The market, which was set up following a link-up between the parish council and Eastfield Neighbour-

hood Partnership, takes place every Tuesday in Eastfield Community Centre car park from 8.30am to 12.30pm.

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