A COUNCIL has been accused of blackmail after refusing to negotiate over the location of a new library in Stokesley, which is part of a £7.2m development.

North Yorkshire County Council wants to sell the town's historic Manor House, which houses the town's library, to help fund a new development in North Road.

The £7.26m development would see a new library and information centre created, as well as 40 care home flats, to replace Springfield House Nursing Home.

Hambleton District Council and Broadacres Housing Association support the plans, but some local people want more consultation and would like Manor House to remain a public building with a new library built behind it.

However, Gordon Gresty, who runs the county's library service, says the Manor House site is not suitable for the type of library they want to build and its sale is part of a financial package.

"It all hinges on this package. If this package doesn't go ahead the county council isn't going to put money into enhancing the current library facilities. It is an opportunity that needs to be seized.

"What they have to understand is, if the library development doesn't go ahead, there will not be any options in relation to building the library anywhere else.

"If they stop this development there isn't any money set aside over the next three to five years for any development for Stokesley library.

"I think it is fair to say this opportunity is something that will not come again."

Parish Coun George Carter said everyone wanted an improved library in Stokesley, but did not agree with the council's arguments about its location.

"It's a bit of blackmail really, to say if you don't do it our way you can't have it at all.

"Some people feel that if this is the only way we can have it, then fair enough. But others say it would be a terrible loss to lose the Manor House and library on that site, just because we have been told we can't have it."

Coun Carter believes a new library could be funded by releasing land at the North Road site for housing.

"We're not being dogmatic at all. All we are saying is could we please have more consultation on such a vital development in Stokesley? We would like a bit more thought and democracy."

Campaigners have a petition signed by local people who want the county council to carry out more consultation.

They will also highlight their concerns about the proposed development's effect on traffic when it is discussed at the district council's planning committee - which could be as soon as Thursday, May 15.

However, Mr Gresty insists the public was consulted, with plans displayed in the town and discussions with parish councillors.

"We have done everything we can to keep people informed. I know they don't like the design and that is open to discussion."

He added that the county council would be sympathetic towards the Manor House being turned into housing when sold, as the outside could not be altered, owing to planning regulations which protect historic buildings.

He said: "To miss this opportunity merely to keep the Manor House, I think, is a mistake. I hope they will see the development go ahead and have input with the planners."