Homes scheme wins go-ahead

COUNCILLORS have given final clearance for five town houses, two semi-detached homes and a detached property to be built at the junction of Horsefair and St Helena, Boroughbridge. The development, by Village Restorations Ltd, involves the felling of nine trees in the town's conservation area. Permission has also been granted for car parking.

CHARITY DINNER: Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo and author of the Dad at Large books, will be the guest speaker of Northallerton Inner Wheel at a charity dinner at Romanby Gold Club on March 22 in aid of Marie Curie Nurses. Tickets cost £15 and are available bycalling (01609) 772319.

FLEA MARKET: A flea market will take place in Stokesley Town Hall on Saturday, from 10am until 3pm. There will be a variety of stalls and all proceeds will go towards the town hall. Admission is free.

RAILWAY TALK: The next meeting of the Northallerton branch of the Wensleydale Railway Association takes place on Thursday, March 14, at 7.30pm, in the RAFA club.

HEARING DOGS: The local branch of Hearing Dogs for the Deaf is to hold an information evening at the Nidd Hall Hotel, near Ripon, on March 19 at 7.30pm. For more information contact appeals coordinator Rachel Welch on 01661 832225.

NEW LIGHTS: Ageing street lights along Harrogate Road, Knaresborough, which were showing signs of corrosion are being replaced. Twenty-five columns are being replaced, starting near the entrance to Mother Shipton's cave and finishing near the entrance to the town's golf club.

CONCERT DATE: The combined choirs of Northallerton and Stokesley Methodist Churches will give a special concert at Northallerton Methodist Church on March 16, at 7.30pm.

COUNTRY DATE: Country duo Brushwood will appear at the Civil Service Club, Catterick Garrison, on Saturday, from 7.30pm. The event has been organised by Double AA American Linedance. Tickets are £3.50 pre-booked or £4.50 at the door and £2.50 for children. Contact (01748) 833844 for details.

ROAD CLOSURE: Motorists in the Thirsk area have been warned about the temporary closure of the A170 York road from its junction with the A170 Sutton Road at White Mare roundabout for almost a mile to the junction with the A168/A19 interchange. The closure, for carriageway repairs, will run from today until Friday.

DONOR SESSION: A blood donor session will be held in the nurses' recreation hall at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, on Wednesday, from 2pm to 7pm.