A COUNCIL highways depot is being earmarked for affordable homes and workshop units.

Manor Vale, in the North Yorkshire market town of Kirkbymoorside, is set to be closed and sold by North Yorkshire County Council.

Joseph Coughlan, chairman of the Market Town Team in Kirkbymoorside, told the council that the site was the only one earmarked for potential development in the town by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

It was vital, he said, that the team worked with the community, the town council and Ryedale District Council to get the best possible development on the site.

"I am not aware of any specific direction for the Manor Vale site," he said, but added that affordable homes with workspace below was under consideration.

He said the town team was keen to encourage more local people and businesses, as well as the council, to get involved in planning Kirkbymoorside's future.

Town mayor Councillor Nigel Richardson said it was vital that the site did not go to major developers and that such facilities as the Town Band Room and Scout headquarters remained.