A MEETING for town and parish councillors in the Hambleton area is being held next week to discuss draft plans for the future of the county.

Tuesday's consultation meeting, organised by North Yorkshire County Council, will provide an opportunity for councillors to discuss ways to develop and improve local services during the next three years.

A draft forward plan has been set out by the council - which provides more than three-quarters of local authority services - focusing on areas such as highways, education, waste management and social services.

The council plan targets seven key themes:

* Security for all - promoting safe, healthy and sustainable communities;

* Growing up for the future - through good education and care and protection where it is needed;

* Independence - through employment, opportunity and appropriate care and support for those in need;

* Keeping the county on the move - with a safe and reliable transport system and powerful telecommunications;

* Strengthening the economy - by supporting business, developing the infrastructure and helping people improve their skills;

* Looking after the county's heritage - in the country- side and in the towns and villages;

* Keeping in touch - by listening to people's views, planning to meet their needs and by telling them what the council is doing.

Anyone interested in obtaining a copy of the draft forward plan should call (01609) 532639 or visit www.northyorks.gov.uk.