THE future of the county branch libraries in Malton and Norton is still undecided.

Initial plans to create a single library in Ryedale District Council’s newly-renovated Harrison House complex near Malton train station, have fallen through, said council leader, Councillor Linda Cowling. Ryedale Voluntary Action and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau are moving into part of the building, and other areas have been let to as yet unnamed tenants, said Coun Cowling.

She said North Yorkshire County Council was no longer pursuing its interest in Harrison House for a library. “It would have been an ideal location being on the border of the two towns,” said Coun Cowling.

She said the district council was waiting for news of what the county council planned to do with the libraries and services in the future.