NORTH Yorkshire residents are asked to have their say on council services as a £74 million savings battle looms.

North Yorkshire County Council fear austerity measures will continue for years yet and has updated its “council plan” – a blueprint for what it wants and hopes to achieve – to reflect this, the public are being asked to comment.

It expects to have to save £74 million between 2015 and 2019, by which time it will have cut £168 million from its budget in eight years.

Council leader John Weighell said: “We are aware of our responsibilities to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, which is why, despite the tough financial times, we will continue to do all we can to protect and modernise frontline services for those who rely upon them the most.”

The council’s 2020 North Yorkshire programme could see residents asked to play key roles in delivering more services, including running libraries and children’s centres.

Views must be submitted by June 30 at northyorks.gov.uk or by emailing ppp@northyorks.gov.uk