TEN highway depots across North Yorkshire are to be sold by the county council.
The depots have been deemed surplus to requirements and a report to the authority's executive proposes that four new sites should be developed instead.
Those earmarked for closure and then sale are Malton, Pickering, Kirkbymoorside, Fulford Lodge in York, Norby in Thirsk, Croft House in Skipton, Kingsmill in Settle, West Ayton, Whitby and Starbeck.
The shake-up aims to improve life for highways workers, who currently have to put up with accommodation in temporary buildings, by providing better living areas and therefore boost staff morale.
The move will also save money on salting roads, decrease environmental pollution and "bad neighbour situations" at some of the sites nearby residents have complained of the early morning disturbance caused by some of the service vehicles.
David Bowe, of the environmental services department, is recommending new depots be developed at Kirby Misperton, Farnham Quarry and Appersett.
Updated: 10:14 Monday, August 15, 2005
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