I REFER to your article about the move for Stokesley Library to become a community-run library and to the issue of business rates for the building (D&S Times, Oct 21).

The management committee of the community library, Stokesley Parish Council and the local district councillor have all been in prior correspondence with Hambleton District Council on the topic of business rates prior to making a formal application for the waiver of the discretionary balance of 20 per cent rate relief in addition to the statutory 80 per cent business rate relief given to all charities.

In a letter dated September 22, Hambleton District Council stated that, uniquely among district councils in North Yorkshire, “at the present time this council will not be awarding Discretionary Rate Relief to any community libraries”.

We welcome the latest statement from the council spokeswoman that each application for waiving business rates would be decided on its own merits when a formal application is received.

This indicates that there is now the possibility that Hambleton District Council will join with Stokesley Parish Council, members of the local community, local organisations and local companies in making contributions that will enable the library remain open and reinforce Stokesley’s status a key, vibrant market town in North Yorkshire.

Mike Canavan, Stokesley parish councillor and member of Stokesley Community Library Management Committee, Stokesley