PLANS to create a 35-place childcare facility in a dales town could be boosted by a council decision next week.

The Upper Dales Child Care Partnership is trying to create the facilities in the Hawsa Hut in the grounds of Hawes Community Primary School.

The partnership, which is made up of community volunteers, was set up following a study of the area that found the lack of childcare was stopping parents from training and taking full-time jobs.

Members want to refurbish the Hawsa Hut, providing a new kitchen area, toilets, electrics, staff facilities and central heating. It would also be decorated.

More than £156,000 has already been secured from a number of sources, including the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the New Opportunities Fund, the Countryside Agency and Children in Need.

However, the £80,000 from the ERDF can only be released against paid invoices, so the partnership is hoping to secure £25,000 from Richmondshire District Council to help complete the project. The money will be paid back when the work is finished.

The council's economic, culture and leisure unit manager, Alan Simpson, said: "The aim of the project is to enable parents in the Upper Dales area to access training and better full-time job opportunities in order to improve family incomes, improve lifestyles, improve quality of life and improve the local economy. The Upper Dales child care facilities are much needed and following first year support, would be self-financing."

The community committee will discuss the project on Tuesday evening. Mr Simpson has recommended it agrees to provide up to £25,000.