Arms dealer's appeal blow

A NORTH Yorkshire arms dealer's appeal against life imprisonment in India has hit a fresh snag. Peter Bleach, whose mother still lives near Scarborough, was hoping for progress at a recent hearing. However, the wrong papers were sent to the court and his appeal has been adjourned while the correct ones are found. Mr Bleach was sentenced after an arms drop in West Bengal more than six years ago. A number of Russians who were sentenced with him have since been released as a result of diplomatic intervention.

MAYOR BALLOT: The borough of Scarborough is in line for its third successive woman mayor, after men held the post for generations. Deputy headteacher, Councillor Sheila Kettlewell and retired nurse Councillor Eileen Vickers, the current deputy mayor, have both been nominated to become mayor of the borough, which includes Whitby, Filey and much of the North York Moors National Park. The council will have a secret ballot next month, when it will also select the new deputy mayor. There are also two nominations for the post, Councillor Eric Broadbent and Counillor Freda Coultas.

HOMES PLAN: An application has been submitted to build 250 homes on the site of the old R R Donnelley factory in York. Developers are hoping for permission to construct a mix of housing on the site, as well as a small business centre and private nursery. The City of York Council's planning committee debates the proposals at a meeting on Thursday.

CASH BOOST: The City of York Council is among 24 around the UK promised Government support for pioneering partnerships aimed at securing better services. The Access To Services programme has been awarded Pathfinder status by the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions. The news means the authority can expect as much as £100,000 a year in extra funding from Westminster to help cover the cost of new e-government initiatives and partnerships with other councils, all working to make local government less of a mystery.

MP'S NEW ROLE: York's MP has been elected to a new post with Nato. Hugh Bayley takes over as the chairman of the alliance's Parliamentary Assembly's Committee on Trans-Atlantic Economic Relations after a meeting last week in Paris. The committee deals with trade within the treaty organisation and between Nato countries and the rest of the world.

PRAISE REcordeD: North Yorkshire's register offices have been praised after an official Government inspection. The county's staff were described as "efficient, courteous, friendly, helpful and technically competent" in a report compiled by the General Register Office Inspector.

REVAMP PLANNED:

Richmond's YMCA has applied for planning permission to pull down parts of its current base. Richmondshire District Council will be asked to consider the charity's application in the light of a bid to redevelop the facilities off the town's Market Place.