MEMBERS of the trust leading a town's plans for a community office are hoping the local authority gives it financial support next week.

Hudson House Ltd is pioneering the conversion of the old Barclays building in Reeth - closed last year as part of the bank's branch review.

It already has planning permission for three flats on the first floor, with other rooms earmarked for use as a tourist information centre, meeting room, IT suite and a police office.

The Citizens' Advice Bureau and other voluntary organisations, the Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Business Association and the Swale-dale Festival also hope to make use of the space available, with a youth club planned in the old garage and a community orchard in the garden to the rear.

Residents may also be able to pay council tax and rent at the community office.

However, Richmondshire District Council must first agree to a financial contribution towards the set-up costs.

The council's economic, cultural and leisure committee as well as the resources committee are due to discuss the Hudson House scheme next week.

The authority is already committed to a £7,500 contribution this year.

Councillors will be asked to vote on whether a similar amount should be included in next year's budget,taking the total contribution to £15,000.

The overall cost of establishing the new community office is estimated at about £330,000.