PARISH councils across Richmondshire look likely to be given responsibility for bus shelters in their community - whether they like it or not.

The district authority wrote to clerks requesting parish council views. Of the 39 village administrations, only 18 said they would be happy to take on the duty, the remainder were unwilling, or failed to reply.

The poll was highlighted by a number of Liberal Democrat councillors at the district council's full meeting on Tuesday.

"We are often promoting the need for a good public transport network, but here we are telling people we are not interested in ensuring they have a warm, dry place to wait for the bus. It is wrong," said Councillor John Harris.

A subsequent vote confirmed that parish councils would be asked to take on the responsibility this year.