Community services to gain from multi-million scheme

Plans to house an extra care facility, a modern library and information centre and offices under one roof are being discussed by county, district and parish councillors.

North Yorkshire County Council is taking a leading role in the proposal for shared facilities that will be situated at the former highways depot in North Road, Stokesley.

The key element to the scheme is a £2.5m complex made up of one and two-bedroom flats.

The council, together with Broadacres Housing Association, will provide 40 flats offering modern care for the elderly. Facilities will include communal lounges, assisted bathrooms and a cafeteria, alongside the spacious apartments and a team of support staff will be available round-the-clock, 365 days a year.

Proposals to move Stokesley library to the new development from its location at the Manor House are also included in the design, although they have been met with some concerns.

Council co-ordinator of the scheme Neil Revely said: "The idea, although it is still very much under consideration, is to sell the Manor House and use the capital to provide a new library and information centre.

"It would be a modern service, with free Internet access and facilities that simply can't be provided from its present site."

Parish councillors have expressed concern over the move, stressing that the Manor House is an important public building in the town and should not be sold into private hands.

Mr Revely said: "While there is no guarantee that it will continue to be a publicly used building if it is sold, it is grade II listed and so its outlook will not change."

Hambleton District Council will this week meet to discuss its involvement in the project with regard to relocating its area office from College Square to the development.

It sees the chance to integ-rate with the library and extra care scheme as an innovative way to reduce costs and is expected to approve the action.