Stokesley residents generally supported plans for a £2.5m library and elderly people's housing development at a public meeting this week.

Most concerns related to traffic in North Road. There were also calls for young people's affordable housing and extra provision for community activities at the new scheme.

North Yorkshire County Council, Hambleton District Council and Broadacres Housing Association hope building work for the scheme can begin in late 2003, if planning permission is approved next spring.

Neil Revely, of the county's social services, said Springfield House nursing home was outdated. Modern policy aimed to give elderly people independence, privacy and dignity, while providing professional 24-hour support. Springfield House staff were excellent and would continue to work at the new site.

Springfield residents would become tenants or owner-occupiers in spacious flats, built by Broadacres.

This arrangement would bring financial benefits for tenants and social services, and provide security of tenure for the elderly.

Tenants' food and dining facilities would be available, if desired, and a second library caf would be open to the public.

Julie Blaisdale, head of libraries, archives and arts, said Stokesley deserved a much better library. The Manor House library was cramped and not very attractive, accessible or family-friendly.

The new library would be bigger, brighter, and better-stocked with DVDs, CDs and computer terminals. Staffing would be flexible and opening hours reflect modern life.

A member of the audience claimed she had not mentioned books, but Mrs Blaisdale said readers would be well catered for, saying: "Books will always be part of the library service. Ripon has a new library and membership has quadrupled. People who never visited the old library are joining up."

Coun Caroline Seymour agreed, saying: "This a marvellous opportunity to get good, up-to-date facilities."

Relocation of the county council highways depot to Stokesley industrial estate would enhance the town centre. It would also mean an end to the need for road salt heaps near Seamer.

There would be no through road between the development and Tameside estate.

Many residents feared a rat run and congestion in North Road, but detailed highway plans would be drawn up.

Stokesley Parish Council chairman Coun Gerry Kay said the county should consider making some land at the sites to be sold available for affordable young people's homes.

Stokesley and District Community Care Association co-ordinator Sue Allen hoped the scheme could be broadened to offer space for the whole community, including young people.

Ralph Barker asked if an enlarged Stokesley library threatened Great Ayton library.

But Mrs Blaidale said: "There is no consideration to discontinue Great Ayton library."