A COUNCIL-RUN newspaper that costs taxpayers almost £400,000 a year could be scrapped, after a motion was tabled to discontinue its production.

The Conservative-led North Yorkshire County Council publishes 11 issues a year of the North Yorkshire Times (NYT), which is distributed to about 300,000 homes and businesses across the county.

Liberal Democrat councillors hope the motion to axe the publication, which is due to be raised at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday, will win cross-party support.

The move follows a recent pledge to clamp down on “frivolous town hall propaganda papers” by communities secretary Eric Pickles.

Councillor Bill Hoult, leader of the Lib Dems at County Hall, has tabled the motion, which will be seconded by Councillor Geoff Webber.

It reads: “[It is moved] that, in view of the dire economic circumstances facing the county council and the recent criticism by the coalition government of council-funded newspapers, that the council ceases publication and distribution of its monthly newspaper as soon as practically possible.”

Supporters of the NYT say its cost to the taxpayer is partly offset by advertising revenues.

Coun Hoult said Lib Dems at County Hall had campaigned against the NYT since its introduction in 2006.

He said: “It is delivered to many households in the area, whether they want it or not, and hurts local and regional newspapers.

“The NYT has really been a waste of time and money – people don’t read it.

“I have always said, if it is so worthwhile, put a price on it and see how many people buy it.

“The writing is on the wall, so let’s bite the bullet and get rid of it.”

A county council spokeswoman said: “The publication helps the council to meet its obligation to publish statutory notices and its need to advertise [job] vacancies.

“Production, printing and distribution costs are approximately £36,000 per issue.

“The format, frequency and delivery of NYT are under review as part of a wide-ranging spending review.”