A DALES community is hoping to complete a major reversal of fortunes by reviving its redundant Barclays Bank building.

The remote branch at Reeth, in Swaledale, was one of 172 across the country to be axed earlier this year.

Now, consultants employed by the partnership of Richmondshire District Council and the Countryside Agency are to present a detailed business plan to Barclays, outlining the building's potential as a community office.

The next step will be taken shortly after productive discussions between senior officials from both the council and Barclays.

The plans are likely to include facilities being created for the district council, North Yorkshire Police, the Citizens' Advice Bureau and others.

Senior officer with the Countryside Agency, David Gluck, said: "Barclays have said many postive things, which is encouraging from our point of view."

Full plans will be submitted to Barclays in the next six weeks and Mr Gluck said: "We are going to have all the costings of our aspirations for the building."

Chairman of the Upper Swaledale and Arkengarthdale business association, Richard Good, said early meetings with Barclays officials had been encouraging.

"We particularly pushed the need for some form of community banking facility, because we were concerned about the loss of that for our own use and for visitors as well," he said