A multi-million pound scheme to create a supermarket, shops, parking and a link road in a North Yorkshire city may have to be given a kick-start.

Plans to revamp the run down west end of the Market Place area in Ripon has been on the cards for more than 40 years.

But with plans now moving forward, Harrogate Borough Council has announced it could seek powers to secure the area with compulsory purchase orders to ensure the scheme goes ahead.

It has been proposed by Maple Grove Developments Ltd in conjunction with North Yorkshire County Council.

A statement from the borough council said the development company and county council were already contracted to purchase the majority of the site.

But other parts of it are needed to ensure the whole scheme and a new link road are completed.

A council spokesman said: "These areas are in multiple ownership and, in the event that negotiations fail or are unduly delayed, joint developers have requested Harrogate Borough Council to be in a position to instigate compulsory purchase."

Cabinet member for planning, Coun Richard Cooper, said: "A lot of momentum has been gained and we are keen to see it continue for a proposed start in spring.

"The use of compulsory purchase powers is not an attempt to strong-arm anyone into a particular course of action.

"It is a means of ensuring that the viability of the city is not undermined if, unexpectedly, negotiations fail."