COUNCILLORS have pledged to do all they can to retain and strengthen rural services.

Hambleton District Council has accepted its role in keeping local shops, pubs and Post Offices up and running and wants to see more services taken out into the community.

Following a policy review on the effect of the closure of rural services, the cultural and social overview and scrutiny committee has drawn up an 11-point action plan.

One aspect of the plan includes installing computers in Post Offices and pubs so that local residents can access the internet while posting a letter or enjoying a pint.

The scheme has been approved by the Cabinet following concerns about the steady decline of rural shops and pubs and their conversion into homes.

The council's plans include:

* Continuing its rural rate relief scheme, which offers reduced rates for shop, pub and Post Office owners.

* Taking into account the overall impact of closures on rural communities when considering planning issues.

* Encouraging Business Link - which gives advice to small businesses, - to play a more proactive role.

* Ensuring the Countryside Agency and Village Retail Services Association continues its support.

* Working with the Post Office to provide support by making it a point of contact for council officers and by urging postmasters to attend parish council meetings

During the review members were given evidence by representatives from the Post Office, the Village Retail Services Association, Business Link and the Federation of Small Businesses.

Committee chairman, John Coulson, said: "This was a very rewarding review from which we have learnt a great deal.

"We want to see services retained in villages but it is important that local people are also encouraged to use them.

"We hope our action plan will help them to survive."