Ten-week swim pool closure

SCARBOROUGH swimming pool is to be closed for ten weeks while work is carried out on a new sports centre development.

The borough council took the decision to upgrade the plant room during the winter and the results will mean the centre will be far more energy efficient.

The pool will reopen on February 15, but in the meantime, work is still going on at Whitby's first purpose-built sports centre, next to the swimming pool on Tucker's Field.

Hedgerows move:

Hedgerows at Penny Pot Lane crossroads, near Killinghall, Harrogate, can be removed by North Yorkshire County Council as part of a road safety plan.

Harrogate planning officials say the hedgerows are exempt from 1997 legislation to protect hedges.

New rooms: Two temporary classrooms can be erected at Bilton Grange Primary School, Bilton Lane, Harrogate, councillors say. But in granting North Yorkshire County Council permission for the classrooms, Harrogate Borough Council said the rooms would not be acceptable as permanent fixtures, because of their prominence on a major route into the town.

Radio rewards: Four members of Harrogate Hospital Radio, who have notched up 45 years' service between them, have been honoured. David Simister, Derrick England, Betty Moon and John Manning were presented with long-service certificates.

Photo funding:

York Photographic Society has been given a £4,600 Lottery grant to buy a digital projector and computer.

New flats: Councillors have given approval for a nursing home at 142 to144 Valley Drive, Harrogate, to be converted into six flats.

Charity boost: The Kirkbymoorside branch of the NSPCC raised £112 in a tombola held at a Christmas fair in Church House.

Hospice gift: Members of the Mitre Lodge Freemasons in York have presented a cheque for £2,900 to St Leonard's Hospice.