TWO of the Harrogate district's five area housing offices could be in doubt as the local authority considers its options for the future.

The borough council's housing stock has fallen from 5,277 in 1992 to 3,947 as more and more tenants have exercised their right to buy their properties.

A number of inquiries can now be dealt with by telephone and, with the use of the Internet on the increase, housing chiefs are questioning whether they need as many offices.

"The Knaresborough office has never been particularly popular with tenants, probably because of its location," said Harrogate Borough Council's health and housing director, Les Williamson.

"Although proposals could also include closing the Jennyfield office, the community centre there will remain open.

"Closing the Knaresborough and Jennyfield offices will allow us to concentrate staff resources on our other three area offices in Ripon and on the Bilton and Knaresborough Road estates in Harrogate, which all tenants will be able to use."

He said the changes could be achieved without redundancies and savings made could be spent on improving other services to tenants.

Nothing has been decided by the council although detailed proposals will be submitted to the authority's Cabinet in the near future.