A LOCAL authority has elected a chairman and vice-chairman to its resources committee.

The change at Richmondshire District Council comes after the Independent Coalition for Richmondshire was formed to take control of the authority.

Councillor Yvonne Peacock, from the coalition, has replaced Tory Councillor John Blackie as chairman.

The coalition's Councillor Raymond Alderson is to replace vice-chairwoman Councillor Wendy Morton, also a Conservative.

The resources committee is responsible for making key financial, staffing and policy decisions and has the final decision on the council's controversial move to Colburn.

The coalition was launched through the merger of the Richmondshire Independent Group, the Richmondshire Association of Independent Councillors and the Independent Councillors for Richmondshire.

The 18-member group holds the majority on all of Richmondshire District Council's committees.

Coun Peacock has announced she will relinquish her current role as chairwoman of the community committee.

Councillor John Blackie remains leader of the council.