THE future of bus shelters across Richmondshire will be discussed next week as the district council continues its budget-cutting exercise.

In October, the council decided to offer ownership of the shelters to parish and town councils, with a refund of up to £150 per shelter for maintenance.

A questionnaire was sent to all parish and town authorities, asking if they wanted to take on the responsibility. A total of 21 responded, nine willing to do so, nine not interested, two undecided and one unsure of the ownership of its shelter.

Council officers recommend inspection and repair by the district council of those shelters for which parishes wish to take responsibility, followed by transfer of ownership, with leg-al costs paid by the district.

Where parishes were not interested, the shelters would remain the property of the district council until they fell into disrepair. If the parish still declined ownership, the shelters would be demolished.

Parishes which were undecided or did not respond would receive a reminder, asking for a reply by the end of March.

Councillors will be recommended to approve the procedure on Tuesday.