DELAYS which have plagued a council's plans to relocate could cost the authority a prime site on a business park.

An independent expert has already agreed Richmondshire District Council's current office accommodation is inadequate.

Staff are forced to work in cramped conditions in buildings which were not designed for a modern working environment.

Although a move to the Colburn Business Park was subject to public consultation, the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, had agreed to reserve one of the best sites available.

However, with research into the costs of moving still incomplete, the district council is still not in a position to commit itself - and councillors will be warned at a meeting on Tuesday that the authority may lose its claim to the prime location if another bidder comes forward.

The resources committee will be told relocation has also been held up by the council's promise to leave a "one-stop-shop" behind in Richmond if it moved out of town.

No suitable premises have been identified, which means the authority may have to consider converting one of its premises. The offices on Friars Wynd are considered the most appropriate.