SKIPTON MP Julian Smith has said the launch next year of the new North Yorkshire Council is 'very positive'.

Mr Smith said North Yorkshire County Council had a very strong track record in areas such as education and children's services and had a good reputation in Government. The county council, which put in the winning bid for how the new unitary authority would look from April, 2023, will be replaced along with Craven District Council with the new authority next spring.

Speaking at a meeting of the county council, he said: "The new council is a very positive thing. North Yorkshire County Council has a very strong track record in a number of areas particularly in education and children's policy. It has a good reputation in Westminster, and the new council has limitless opportunities."

Speaking at the Skipton and Ripon Area Constituency Committee, held on Thursday last week in the council offices in Belle Vue Square, Skipton, Mr Smith also welcomed devolution and said he would look into the possibility of soon to be left vacant council buildings being used as Government offices, following a request by Councillor Andy Brown.

Mr Smith described it as a 'great opportunity' for the rural north.