COUNCIL plans for a mobile information unit were put on hold yesterday because more investigations are needed into likely costs of £60,000 to £80,000.

The executive of North Yorkshire County Council had been asked by the communications scrutiny committee to set aside funding in 2007-8 for a purpose-built vehicle.

The unit was to highlight the work of the authority in towns as well as remote rural areas with limited public transport.

The committee had studied a similar vehicle operating in Northumberland.

The committee said the unit would improve public relations and make it easier to target groups such as young people, those returning to work, migrant workers and the disabled.

It would support consultations, improve access to public awareness campaigns and help those seeking jobs in local government or existing council staff needing further training and development.

Plans for the 23ft vehicle, which would be built by a specialist company in Scarborough and carry seating, computers and satellite technology, have already been criticised by Lib Dem members as a waste of money.

Yesterday, the executive was told by Conservative member Councillor Chris Metcalfe: "Serious consideration must be given to the timing. Is it an appropriate priority use of resources when there are very heavy pressures on other frontline services?"

Executive members agreed with Coun Carl Les, who has responsibility for corporate services, that the idea should be referred back to the chief executive's department for more information on costs and likely use.

Coun Les said: "Good communication is vital, and this would be another tool in the toolbox to get to hard-to-reach groups in a rural environment, but we need to look at the costs and we have got to be sure it would see 100 per cent use."

The plan was questioned by retired farmer William Osborne, who has experience of public relations and promotional presentations.

He said the council already had many ways of distributing information, including the internet and 11 mobile libraries, and said he thought more use could be made of village halls.

He said the executive had no information on the performance of the Northumberland unit, including the number of people using it.

He said: "Without basic information, it is difficult to evaluate any prospective project.

"To proceed on these grounds would be extremely foolish.