TWO commercial bidders shortlisted to develop Richmond's old railway station are no longer in the running, clearing the way for a charitable trust to take on the building.

One of the original bidders, Land Team, withdrew last Tuesday, two days before councillors held a special meeting to discuss the future of the 19th century listed building.

The other shortlisted company, Encore, failed to return a financial questionnaire before Thursday's meeting of Richmondshire District Council resources committee and officers recommended that the bid received no further consideration.

Land Team had confirmed it was willing to help the Friends of Richmond Station, who are to form a charitable trust in a bid to develop and run the building.

Trust status would allow the Friends to apply for a number of grants towards the project.

The trust hoped the council would allow time for a feasibility study, likely to take at least six months, to identify best use of the premises.

It was agreed that the station building would not be actively marketed during the preparation of the feasibility study but any expressions of interest submitted would be reported to the committee.

The Friends also want to assess the impact of the leisure development on existing facilities such as the swimming pool and Elite cinema at Leyburn.