A LOCAL authority takes its attempt to make meetings more accessible a step further next week.

Traditionally, the bulk of Richmondshire District Council's decision-making process has been confined to the headquarters at Swale House, in Richmond's Frenchgate.

The administration committed itself recently to making government even more local - and, on Tuesday, the housing committee goes on the road, meeting at Colburn Village Hall for the first time.

Items up for discussion include the reintroduction of tenancy visits, a 30-year housing account business plan, and the possible creation of a home improvement agency.

Such a scheme would be aimed mainly at the elderly.

Debate is due to begin at 6.30pm.

Committee chairman, Councillor Sylvia Golding, said: "In a rural area like Richmondshire, it is vital that people have easy access to council services.

"This is just one initiative we are developing to give people the chance to get more involved in our work.''

Members of the public wishing to speak at the meeting are reminded that they will still need to submit any questions they may have, in writing, before noon on Tuesday.

They can either be faxed to (01748) 825071 or posted to Ruth Gladstone at Swale House, Frenchgate, Richmond DL10 4JE.