WORK on a major refurbishment programme, giving greater privacy to crime suspects, will get under way next week.

New consultation rooms are being built at Northallerton, Harrogate and York police stations, allowing people to talk confidentially with their solicitors or probation officers, but with custody staff also able to monitor safety.

The Harrogate station is also to benefit from a redesign which will cut congestion at the custody desk, while Northallerton's interview rooms are being refurbished.

Building work starts at Harrogate and York on Monday, and should be completed on June 15. Work at Northallerton begins on June 18 and is due to be completed by July 27.

Scarborough police station - North Yorkshire's other centralised custody area - is also to undergo a revamp soon.