MORE research into Richmondshire District Council's proposed move to Colburn was sanctioned on Tuesday night.

The authority has outgrown its offices in Richmond, already condemned as inadequate in an independent report on its accommodation.

However, the council's resources committee agreed that it needed more information on the value of its assets as well as an assessment of the risks involved in moving before it commits itself to a final decision.

The authority has also promised, if it does relocate, Richmond will not be left in the lurch; a one-stop shop dealing with the public's needs will remain behind.

Tuesday's meeting also agreed that consultants should be asked to evaluate whether the council's premises in Friar's Wynd was the best option.

The committee was warned that the delay could cost the authority a prime site reserved on the Colburn Business Park.

"There are not people knocking at the door to take over that particular site but, if someone was to come along, we couldn't expect Yorkshire Forward to save the site for us," said executive director Tony Clark."

Councillor Lyn Miller urged the authority to move quickly.

"Time is of the essence," she said.

"A move to Colburn is desirable and that prime plot is the plot we should try to take up. I would hate to see us losing it."