PRESSURE is mounting on Richmondshire District Council over plans to sell off assets to finance its £4.5m relocation move to Colburn.

District and town councillor Stuart Parsons has submitted a request to the district council for a Richmondshire referendum on the proposed move and the disposal of car parks, listed buildings and open space land.

A resources committee was to decide last week how to pay for the new headquarters, but had to be abandoned when more than 800 residents turned up. Many were angry at plans to sell off York Square and Station Road car parks in Richmond to fund the move.

On Tuesday, the district council said that other sources of funding were now being investigated.

Council leader Coun John Blackie said: "The principle of an office move to Colburn is not up for reconsideration.

"That decision has already been made by the council some months ago and well publicised throughout the district. What we as a council must do is decide how the move will be paid for."

However, Coun Parsons condemned the statement and said that the move had only been agreed in principle. "It is unthinkable that any public body would sign a blank cheque for any of its activities," he said.

"The meeting on August 31 voted on the 'principle' and on allowing the officers to progress the different aspects of the move with a view to producing a full, open and complete report on all aspects and impacts of the proposed move. Then, and only then, would the district council be in a position to vote to move to Colburn.

"Coun Blackie is not being realistic with his statement. He should know that more than 1,000 residents have protested against the plans.

"He should also realise that the people of Richmondshire will not agree to vast resources being spent on the proposed move."

A communication network has also been set up between Richmond Town Council and parish councils to pass on information about assets owned by the district council and any concerns.

On Wednesday, Neil Foster, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Richmond, voiced his support for local residents and businesses in opposing the plans.

He has written to the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott asking for a public inquiry after the General Election should Labour be returned to Government. In his letter he stated that there was widespread concern that the plans which would effectively strip the town of many of its prime assets.

It said: "The character and vitality of the town is at stake and on behalf of the residents I ask you to use your powers to step in. It is my view that a full public inquiry would allow all those with a stake in Richmond to have their say and halt these rash and ill-considered plans."

See story, page 3; letters, page 19.