A NEIGHBOURHOOD nursery and community office can be created in Colburn, near Catterick Garrison.

Richmondshire councillors have backed plans to convert the doctors' surgery to the new use when the practice moves at the end of the year.

Plans for the council-owned building in The Broadway came after consultation with the town council, police, Colburn's voluntary organisation Fair Play for Kids and the North Yorkshire early years childcare development partnership.

Councillor John Gill, chairman of the housing committee, said: "The neighbourhood nursery would be a huge asset to Colburn residents.

"It would be developed in line with the Government's national childcare strategy, offering quality childcare and additional support services to young families in the area."

The creation of a commu-nity office would replace Colburn's existing council cash collection point, which is open only two days a week.

A further £300,000 for the scheme could be offered under the Government's sure start initiative, which is aimed mainly at urban areas to give pre-school children a good start.

The early years childcare development partnership and North Yorkshire County Council are to bid for cash on behalf of Colburn and the upper dales by January.

Any rebuilding of the premises would incorporate a play area, childcare centre, council community office, library link, offices and meeting rooms.