PLANS to introduce a monthly county council newspaper could be approved next week.

Chief executive John Marsden has put forward proposals for a publication to replace the North Yorkshire Reporter.

If backed, the 20-page paper would be produced monthly from September.

It would contain facts about the authority, a column from North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Della Cannings, consumer advice and news for young people.

There would also be space for letters, guest correspondents and competitions.

Two estimates have been produced based on different quality paper. Printing on poorer paper would cost £486,000 a year, while printing on better paper would cost £606,000.

Potential income from advertising has been estimated at £591,000.

Mr Marsden said: "This is a practice that a number of local authorities have now adopted as a way of communicating with their citizens.

"In North Yorkshire, the introduction of such a publication would be particularly helpful as there is currently no consistent way in which the people of North Yorkshire can receive information about public services.

"The success of the venture will be kept under close review."

The North Yorkshire Reporter is produced once or twice a year. It is circulated to 300,000 houses in the county.

The county council will discuss the issue on Tuesday, May 2.