RENEWED efforts are to be made to retain rural services across the Hambleton district.

Councillors want to see more services introduced for people in rural areas, including access to the Internet through pubs, shops and post offices.

They have drawn up an 11-point action plan following a policy review on the effect of closure of rural pubs and shops by a scrutiny committee.

The plan, which has been approved by the council cabinet includes continuing the rural rate relief scheme; taking into account the overall impact of closures on rural communities when considering planning issues; and encouraging Business Link, the Countryside Agency and the Village Retail Services Association to continue their support.

They also plan to work with the Post Office to provide support and extend its policy on redundant computers, taking them into rural pubs, shops and post offices so people can use the Internet.

Committee chairman John Coulson said: "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."