AN ancient toll booth is to become a village resource under plans to restore and refurbish it.

The oldest building in Topcliffe has been used as a jail and a reading room and was the site where a ransom was paid for Charles I.

The parish council is planning to convert it into a resource for the village.

At present, a snooker club uses the top room and the downstairs area is used for storage.

In a phased development, the council intends to tidy up and treat the timbers, upgrade security, provide information technology equipment and furniture, install a drinks and snacks dispenser and build lavatories.

It is also hoped to have historical, library and tourist information displays.

In the future it is hoped the building will be used by police on an ad-hoc basis, by youth workers, and as a meeting place for community groups.