MEMBERS of the public are invited to a meeting to discuss plans for a £2.5m sheltered housing and library scheme in Stokesley, which has wide-ranging implications for nursing care, library facilities and voluntary organisations in the district.

North Yorkshire County Council, Hambleton Council and Broadacres Housing Association are proposing a scheme of one- and two-bedroomed flats for elderly people at the North Road highways depot. In addition, there would be a new library and meeting rooms for the public, plus council offices.

A meeting is being held at Stokesley Town Hall on Wednesday, September 11, at 7.30, when people will have their chance to ask about the scheme.

The authorities believe it will provide elderly people with services similar to those found in care homes, with professional support available 24 hours a day. The apartments are described as spacious and suitable for even the frailest of residents.

Also included in the plans is a library to replace facilities at the Manor House, which is expected to go back on the property market. Described as a one-stop shop, it will also be an information centre and have a caf, meeting rooms and council offices.

Stokesley and District Community Care Association, the charity which offers lunch and after-school clubs, plus door-to-door minibus services for elderly people, leases The Bungalow behind the Manor House.

At its recent agm, volunteers and charity staff were uncertain as to where their future base might be. They discussed whether to apply for grants to buy the Manor House.

North Yorkshire County Council this week said discussions had been held with Springfield House residents and their families about the plan. Two architect's drawings and related information are on display in Stokesley library.

David Buckley, North Yorkshire social services manager for the area, will be at the library this morning from 10am-noon and on Tuesday, September 10, between 2pm and 4pm.

Coun Murray Naylor, county council executive member for social services, commented: "The care offered at Springfield House is second to none, but the building no longer meets modern standards."

Suggestions that the library should be relocated inside the refurbished Stokesley Town Hall were rejected by the hall committee last year. Members felt the hall should primarily be a venue for social functions, club meetings, exhibitions and performances. Since major enhancements were carried out, bookings and income have increased. However, some other commentators felt the upper hall, with its large windows, was an ideal location for a library.

Fears were also expressed that the library could be relocated to Stokesley School, well away from the High Street