Councillors this week decided to scrap the Government led plans, which they say would cost the taxpayer at least £25,000 a year.

They were offered a Government grant of £52,304 to cover the cost of the initiative, leaving them a shortfall of £25,000 each year for the next two years which would have to come from the public purse.

Together with Hambleton Council, who would face a bill of £53,000 a year, the council had urged the Government to be more flexible with the funds, but as Ministers refused, both councils decided to abandon the proposals.

Shortfall

Council leader Mike Gardner said: "The Government has said that it is a take it or leave it offer of a grant.

"As the council would have a shortfall estimated at £50,000 which would have to be met out of council taxpayers' money, then it will regrettably be saying no to the proposal.

"Added to this, the Government has not said what would happen after the initial two years' grant dries up which will make it an even a greater local tax burden, or seeing the council having to remove this concession."