WORK is finally under way on a new centre for a Yorkshire Dales community which lost its only bank to cutbacks two years ago.

Reeth villagers were furious when it became a victim of Barclays' rationalisation programme, warning it could prove a body blow to the Swaledale community.

Locals were worried that those without cars were going to find life increasingly difficult and, with public transport so infrequent, people might see leaving Swaledale as their only option.

However, the banking giant has made amends, offering its building to Richmondshire District Council at a knock-down price in the hope the authority could forge links with other partners to find a way of throwing the community a lifeline.

Over the past 18 months, a steering group has been busy behind the scenes, devising potential new uses for the building.

With funding now in place from the district council, North Yorkshire County Council, the European Union, Yorkshire Forward and a number of other sources, the dream is soon to become reality.

The top floor of the old bank is to be converted into flats, which will be offered at affordable prices to those who may otherwise struggle to find a home in the village.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is to close its offices in Reeth and move its staff into a tourist information centre inside what has now become known as Hudson House.

North Yorkshire Police and Richmondshire District Council will also be using some of the office space, while a computer suite will open up the Internet to those who don't have computers of their own at home.

A youth club is planned in some of the old outbuildings and the orchard is to be revitalised for community use.

An official launch is planned in Reeth on Friday, July 5, when a marquee will be erected on the green and members of the Hudson House team will explain the building's multiple roles.

Spokesman Richard Good said the centre should be ready by the end of the year.

He said: "It is a huge relief to have got this far. There have been some difficult times, and times when we wondered if we were doing the right thing, but it's all worked out thanks to the support of all the partners involved.

"We are all looking forward to the launch and hope to be fully operational by December."