CHANGES at a North Yorkshire council could spell the end for the authority's plans for a new £5m headquarters, opposition leaders fear.

Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have wrestled back control of Richmondshire District Council.

Tory councillor John Blackie has been re-elected as leader after being ousted six months ago amid criticism of his "confrontational" style.

Coun Blackie replaces Councillor Bill Glover, leader of the Independent Coalition for Richmondshire. The new deputy leader is Lib Dem councillor Linda Curran.

The Conservatives and Lib Dems joined together to take advantage of resignations and defections from the Coalition group, which meant the party no longer held the majority on the council.

Coun Blackie said he was delighted to receive the support of his fellow councillors.

He said: "The only way we're going to get the council out of the position it's in is to move forward cohesively, inclusively and by consensus.

"The number one primary aim is to reconnect with the community we are here to serve and to re-establish the authority's reputation."

The council has already voted to move its headquarters from Richmond to Colburn. But yesterday Coun Blackie said "all options were still on the table".

"Nothing has been ruled in or out," he said.

"We need the financial information provided and the discussions around the table that we were promised in March, but haven't had yet."

Coun Glover fears the move will be abandoned under the new leadership.

He said: "Nothing has changed. The relocation is a good deal for the council and a good deal for taxpayers.

"It would be an absolute disgrace if the move was scuppered at this time."

Coun Glover described the result of Tuesday's annual meeting as a sad day for the council - especially as independent inspector Richard Penn found Coun Blackie and four other councillors guilty earlier this year of harrassing and bullying a council officer.

He said: "The public expects the best conduct from councillors and here we are in the situation where the leader has been found guilty of bullying by an independent inspector.

"It's a slap in the face for staff who gave evidence, but now have to work with the leader. I agree that we do have to move forward - I'm just not sure that this is the right structure to take the council forward."