COMMUNITY leaders have backed a council's controversial plans to build a new £4.5m headquarters in their town.

The Mayor of Colburn said he would 'welcome with open arms' Richmondshire District Council's new offices.

The move away from Richmond also has the backing of Colburn councillors.

The support for the move to Colburn follows widespread criticism of the decision from Richmond councillors and residents.

Colburn mayor Tom Henry said: "I, as mayor of Colburn town, the town council and the residents all agree it is now time to move forward.

"We are the gateway to the A1 and we have a lot to offer.

"Richmondshire District Council is welcomed with open arms - this will be a great boost to the overall community, business and the economy."

Coun Henry said purpose-built offices in Colburn would bring the council into the twenty-first century.

"Anyone visiting the council at the moment has to walk around the town looking for the different departments, most of which need to be updated as they cannot accommodate the disabled," he said.

Colburn district councillor Peter Wood also supports the move to Colburn.

"The council desperately needs to move and Colburn is the ideal place for the new offices," he said.

"Long term, this will save the taxpayer money and will be a great asset to the council and the community.

"I'm confident the move will go ahead in the near future."

A meeting to discuss funding for the new offices is expected to be held in late May or early June.

Two previous meetings were abandoned after hundreds of people turned up angry at the council's plans to fund the new offices by selling off two Richmond car parks.

Council chiefs say they are now looking at alternative sources of funding.

Officers and senior councillors say the new offices are needed to improve morale and efficiency among staff.

They say existing offices are impractical, cramped and do not meet regulations on access for the disabled.

Government inspectors have also said the council needs to improve its office accommodation.