A secret plan is being discussed to restrict parking to one hour in the centre of a Ryedale town, it has been claimed.

But the Mayor of Malton believes the town would be "destroyed" by the idea, which he says is an option being considered by Ryedale District Council.

Its chief executive, Harold Mosley, has refused to confirm whether or not it is being discussed by the authority.

The "plan" came to light at a meeting of Malton Town Council, when Coun Norris Binner announced a secret document had come into his possession.

"The document says that the reasoning behind the plan is that by restricting parking times in the town to one hour, visitor turnover and therefore footfall in the town will increase," said Coun Binner.

"But this plan is inconceivable as it will kill off trade in the town."

The document, which Coun Binner said had come from the district council, said that around 600 residents in the town had been questioned over parking.

"It then says the council is looking at the possibility of introducing a restriction of one hour parking in the town centre," he said.

"We do not know how much parking space in the town this will affect but I feel this would close Malton down."

He said the plan would discourage people from coming into the town and have a detrimental effect on trade.

He added that Ryedale Business Group, a local interest group representing traders, had raised objections to plans for increased parking restrictions.

"I think it would be a good idea to get Ryedale Business Group involved in the decision making process," Coun Binner added.

"They should at least be consulted over the matter. We should try to set up a meeting with both Ryedale District Council and Ryedale Business Group to find out what is happening."

Other councillors said much of the decision-making was taking place behind closed doors.

Coun Chris Harding said: "I do not know what is happening, there needs to be more public consultation about this matter."

Mr Mosley said no information had yet been released to the public about the council's draft executive report but would not say whether the one-hour option was on the table.

"I don't know where Councillor Binner has got his information from," he said.

"What we are currently doing is going through our Best Value Review and this car parking issue is something which is being discussed."