PLANS to spend £401,500 on better heating for police cells have been given the go-ahead.

Members of North Yorkshire's Police Authority approved the investment at a meeting yesterday morning.

Heating and ventilation systems in cells at Northallerton, Harrogate and York police stations will be given a major overhaul.

Senior officers decided to act after detainees, solicitors, visitors and police staff complained that custody suites were too hot in summer and too cold in winter.

Chief Inspector Glenn Gudeon, who is responsible for the administration of justice, said some of the heating and ventilation systems were 15 years old.

"The Police and Criminal Evidence Act codes of practice govern the detention, questioning and treatment of detainees," he said.

"The codes of practice state that cells must be adequately heated and ventilated. Extremes of temperature could be classed as oppressive and have a potential impact on detainee behaviour.

"The cost of potential claims for breaches of codes of practice are not only monetary, there is potential for evidence being excluded at court."