WORK on an ambitious community project which aims to give greater independence to a Ryedale town is set to start in two weeks time.

The £250,000 scheme to convert a disused building in Kirkbymoorside into a community resource centre should be completed by the end of April, say organisers.

Once completed, the old toilet block and surrounding buildings will be put to a variety of uses - and could improve the police presence in the town.

Town councillor Sheila Ridley, who sits on the steering group which will ultimately run the centre, said she was delighted the project had come so far.

"We want it to be used by both young and old people alike - it is for everyone in the town and the surrounding villages," she said.

"There will be a facility where people can pay their council tax, the Citizens' Advice Bureau are coming in, there will be a tourist information centre and a advice for job seekers.

"Meanwhile, the police have expressed great interest in moving the town's police station into the first floor.

"We hope they do because it would make police presence in the town more central."

The project could potentially make Kirkbymoorside a more attractive place to live for young people.

An inadequate public transport system means many public services are out of reach for the town's ageing population.

"People often have to travel into Malton and Scarborough for things like jobs advice and to pay their council tax," said Coun Ridley.

"That's simply not possible for many people without their own transport - the new centre will enable people to access these resources on their doorsteps.

"There are a lot of other organisations - such as advice groups, which have expressed an interest in coming to the new centre."

Coun Gary Hobbs, who also sits on the steering group, said the cost of project not only includes building work but running costs for the next three years.

Updated: 11:56 Monday, December 31, 2001