More cash for town's over 50s

A FORUM promoting better conditions for Northallerton's over 50s is to receive a cash boost from Hambleton district council.

Hambleton's Over 50s Forum will receive £3,500 subject to underspends in the current budget as a one-off payment.

The forum, which deals with everything from transport, housing and health issues to IT taster sessions for older people, currently has four groups in Thirsk, Easingwold, Northallerton and Stokesley, and a fifth in Bedale is in the pipeline.

"Support for this group is important because it provides a two-way mechanism for consultation in the district to discuss issues and service developments with a section of the population highlighted as a priority by the council,'' said Coun Percy Featherstone, chairman of Hambleton's environmental health and housing committee.

Flood anger at Brompton

Parish councillors at Brompton near Northallerton are angry that no work has been done to prevent further flooding in the village.

Members felt particularly concerned no dredging works have been carried out below Bow bridge and that the sandbanks in the beck have not been removed by the River Wiske Internal Drainage Board.

At its latest meeting, members decided to ask how money given to the county council will be used to improve Brompton's flood defences.

Full report in this Friday's Darlington & Stockton Times.

Rubbish collections delayed

Refuse collections across Hambleton are continuing despite the bad weather, but residents are being asked to be patient as crews are delayed and are forced to miss some collections.

A district council spokesman said: "We are trying to make as many collections as possible. But unfortunately some households will be missed because of the poor weather conditions. We can only apologise for the inconvenience this causes and ask people to be patient.''

Calls to farms have been suspended because of the foot and mouth crisis, and collections will be made from lane ends where possible.

Read more about the foot-and-mouth crisis here.

Charity sale in town hall

The annual spring sale for Arthritis Research in Northallerton takes place in the town hall on Wednesday with the usual stalls, tombola and refreshments. Donations are welcome.

Updated: 13.50 Monday, March 5