AN initiative is under way to create a community resource centre in Richmondshire.

North Yorkshire County Council is planning to open a refurbished library and information centre at Colburn, near Richmond.

The project will include a neighbourhood nursery and Surestart centre on the same site.

The authority's executive member for libraries, Councillor Carl Les, described the development as extremely exciting for the area.

He said: "This is a partnership with which the library service is delighted to be involved."

He said that when the centre opened in April, the people of Colburn would be able to benefit from greatly improved services in a bright, modern building.

"The completely redeveloped library will include an enhanced IT suite, a larger section for children, DVDs for hire and £20,000 of new books.

"It will be staffed in partnership with Richmondshire District Council, which will mean longer opening hours and access to the services of both councils."

The present library will close tomorrow, when building work will begin.

Until the new library opens, the opening hours at neighbouring Catterick Garrison library will be extended and to supplement the service, a mobile library will be available at the Broadway Shopping Precinct, on Monday afternoons, from December 8.