THE redevelopment of Knaresborough bus station will get under way on Monday, a project that is expected to last 12 months.

In an attempt to minimise disruption for passengers, temporary bus stops are being provided as near to the existing station as possible. This means several disc parking bays on the High Street will be suspended until the work is finished. Harrogate Borough Council's cabinet member for local works, Councillor Michael Newby, apologised for the inconvenience but added: "If the economy of the town centre is not to be adversely affected, convenient stops must be provided as near to the bus station site as possible."

SCHOOL PLANS: Criticism of extension plans at Newby Hall Church of England Primary School, near Ripon, have been made by Harrogate Borough Council planners. The school has applied to North Yorkshire County Council to remove its existing porch and extend a classroom. But planners say the design is not appropriate for the prominent elevation and consider that an extension should be built in matching stone and roof slates. They have not raised an official objection.

Moving on: Pupils at the Forest of Galtres primary school, at Shipton-by-Beningbrough, have said goodbye to headteacher Mark Poole who is moving on after more than four years to become a general primary advisor inspector for North Yorkshire County Council.

Farm walk: A free guided Wild About Ryedale walk will take place around Manor Farm, Eddlethorpe, near Malton, tomorrow. The walk, which will provide the opportunity to look at field margins, hedgerows, and wildflower meadows, is from 2pm to 6pm.

Station revamp: Scar-borough and District Buses has spent more than £100,000 on a new controllers' office and mess area for staff at its Westwood station. For years the company has been using a portable building. Manager Steve Barron said: "The controllers are in regular contact with drivers pin-pointing traffic jams, diversions and accidents, so the new facilities will be a big improvement."