MULTI-STOREY car parks could be built in two market towns in the region.

Harrogate Borough Council is to employ consultants to look at possible sites for the structures in Ripon and Knaresborough, North Yorkshire.

The move comes after a study found a serious shortage of parking spaces in both towns.

However, council chiefs admit building multi-storey car parks could prove controversial.

Councillor Julian Sturdy, cabinet member for public works, said: "Even when we have identified the land and the funding, people will still have concerns about these two structures which, if they were to go ahead, would be built at the heart of two of our most important conservation areas in the district.

"But progress must be made to maintain the improving vitality of Ripon and Knaresborough.

"We have decided that the best way to deal with this is to jointly commission one consultant to look at both Ripon and Knaresborough.

"This makes sense, both from a financial point of view, and also because of the very similar problems we will face in both areas."

A recent parking strategy report for Ripon concluded that an additional 200 spaces would be needed by 2016 to cater for peak parking demands.

Parking spaces are already in short supply in the town, especially during market day on Thursdays.

A similar study in Knaresborough found the town now needs a further 130 short stay parking spaces. This is expected to grow to 150 spaces by 2016.

Council chiefs say there is a shortage of sites for a multi-storey car park close to the town centre in both Ripon and Knaresborough.

Possible sites for a structure to be built in Knaresborough include on the existing Fisher Street or Chapel Street surface level car parks.

The study by the independent consultant, whose name will be announced next week, is expected to cost about £25,000.

This money will come from £89,000 set aside by the council to improve parking in towns across the borough.

Coun Sturdy said discussions with planning officers would take place as soon as possible.