ROUND the table talks are being proposed to restart a shelved £22m project to build a National Army Museum at Catterick Garrison.

On Monday, the Council of the National Army Museum confirmed that the development on land next to Marne barracks was not going ahead as planned after certain legal requirements could not be met.

Uncertainties over the procurement of the site from the Ministry of Defence, the legal structures that might have to be put in place and the necessary permissions that have to be obtained from central government meant that executive decisions to move the project forward could not be taken.

The leader of Richmondshire District Council, Coun John Blackie, said: "Clearly we were extremely disappointed, shocked and surprised at the announcement of the museum trustees to shelve the project.

"Only two weeks ago we had a positive meeting with the Minister, and while we all recognised there were legal obstacles to overcome, there was no hint of a sudden withdrawal."

Nearly £9m of European Objective 2 cash was also channelled to the project and this money is now likely to be lost.

Coun Blackie added: "We have worked extremely hard to secure European funds for this project and they are likely to be relocated to urban parts of the region or sent back to Europe, unless, there is the clearest certainty that the project will go ahead within the first three months of next year.

"If there is a certainty before the turn of the year, the money will stay with the National Army Museum. This gives us a time frame for action.

"What we are hoping to do is trying to get all the key players around a table and with one last big push see if we can get this project through.

"The scheme will have a huge impact on communities in the region and provide a national tourist attraction for visitors and possibly encourage them to see other attractions in the Dales and Richmondshire.

"It would also produce a showpiece for Catterick Garrison which has a 'super' garrison status. Where better to find a museum paying credit to the life and times of the army?"

All parties involved insist they remain broadly committed to seeing the plans realised and planning permission is expected to be granted for the scheme which could bring 300 jobs and £30m of investment to the area.

The museum's assistant director, David Smurthwaite, said: "The council has not abandoned its aspiration to establish the National Army Museum North in Richmondshire and the museum will continue to work to achieve this."