A SERIES of open meetings will be held across North Yorkshire as county councillors tackle the proposed budget for the next financial year.

The council is consulting in various communities about its proposed council tax levels.

The Harrogate meeting will be at the Cairn Hotel on Ripon Road on February 2 at 9.30am.

North Yorkshire county council leader John Weighell said: "Given the current financial pressures facing the council, it is vital that as many people from the local area turn up for this meeting as possible so they can judge the thinking behind our budget plans for next year."

He added: "We will be setting the budget in February and we want to know what the budget priorities are for people right across North Yorkshire and hear their views.

"We will also underline how we will continue to provide services right to the heart of their community, whether that is through local schools, social services or roads and public transport."

Further information about the meetings is available on the county council's website, www.northyorks.gov.uk