NORTH Yorkshire County Council has launched a public consultation over proposals to tackle alcohol abuse. The scheme will see more support for schools to make pupils aware of the risks of alcohol abuse, an increased capacity to prevent under-age sale and the development of specialist services in high alcohol consumption areas. The authority’s public health boss, Councillor Don Mackenzie, said nearly 200 people die in the county annually due to alcohol, adding that a change in culture was needed so that low risk drinking becomes the norm. For details, visit northyorks.gov.uk/alcoholconsultation

HEALTHY WINDFALL: Fifteen voluntary organisations from across Hambleton are set to benefit from a £50,000 cash windfall. The district council is investing in groups which work to deliver valuable services to improve the health and well-being of residents and include a number of community car schemes and community care associations. The biggest grants go to Wheels 2 Work, which helps young people access work and learning opportunities and The Hambleton Strollers, which seeks to improve people’s health through organising walks. For details, call 01609-767212.

FAMILY SUCCESS: North Yorkshire County Council is among the best authorities nationally for working with troubled families, according to Department for Communities and Local Government figures. Some 657 families in the county have so far been worked with and 355 turned around through the Developing Stronger Families programme. The scheme has seen children returning to school, levels of youth crime and antisocial reduced and adults from some of the hardest-to-help households on a path back to employment.

POST REVAMP: Starbeck Post Office will be closed from May 13 to May 27 for work to transform the branch into an open-plan store with four serving positions offering an extra seven-and-a-half hours of service a week. Opening hours at the modernised branch will be 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday and 9am to 5.30pm on Saturdays.

BLUEBELLS WALK: The North York Moors National Park has published a new five-mile walk, from Grosmont to Beck Hole, in the Esk Valley, to celebrate the bluebell season. The beginning of the route follows a newly-restored path through Doctor's Wood, which involved volunteers clearing scrub and raking stones. To download the route, visit northyorkmoors.org.uk/walking

ART EXHIBITION: Bedale Art Group will hold its Spring art and craft exhibition on Friday (May 9) and Saturday (May 10), from 9am to 4pm, at Bedale Hall. Entry is free. For details, call 07749-812965.

ALLOTMENTS FAIR: Boroughbridge Allotment Society will hold its annual Plot to Plate fair at various locations in the town centre on Saturday (May 10), from 10am to 4pm. Free entry. For details, visit boroughbridgeallotment.btck.co.uk