Under the government's market town initiative, there are plans to improve the Chapel beck area and create new gardens and a visitor centre near the historic priory.

The proposals - which would cost millions of pounds - are on display at Guisborough's Sunnyfield House until the end of next week.

Judith Arber, chairman of the Priory Project, said she had been encouraged by feedback from locals.

She said: "Generally everyone thinks it will be a good thing for Guisborough, but there are concerns about inappropriate access.

"We would have to resolve those first before anything could go ahead because we wouldn't want to have a wonderful amenity in place and have it spoilt by those who would want to spoil it."

"The general feeling is that it is a good idea but we have to be careful about how we do it."