A FINAL decision on ambitious plans for a joint police and fire station to be built in Bedale is expected this week.

Emergency services chiefs have submitted proposals to Hambleton District Council.

The existing fire station and tower in the Wycar area of the town would be demolished to make way for the development.

Bedale town council has given its support to the project, but residents living nearby have expressed concerns about increased movements of emergency vehicles threatening the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

North Yorkshire County Council has suggested that a traffic-calming scheme should be introduced.

Further discussions over the design of the building are expected to take place ahead of a planning committee meeting on Thursday, when a decision on the scheme is due to be made.

Planning officers say they will make a recommendation to councillors at the meeting.