THE postponement of the Yorkshire Regional Assembly referendum could see a council pressing ahead with plans to relocate.

Richmondshire District Council had put a proposed move of offices from Richmond to Colburn on hold until after any local government reorganisation following the referendum.

But council chiefs say the indefinite postponement of the vote means relocation can go ahead.

Council chief executive Harry Tabiner said: "In my view it is important that the council now looks to the future and plans accordingly.

"The regional debate may return, but the form, context and time-scale are now so uncertain as to make it impossible to include in future plans.

"I believe that progressing the Colburn move would represent a positive and tangible demonstration to staff, partners and residents of our desire to move Richmondshire forward as an organisation.

"If we had ceased to exist in November, as was possible, it would have made no sense to move."

An independent expert has already agreed the council's current office accommodation is inadequate. Coun Yvonne Peacock, representative for the Addlebrough ward, is also backing the move.

She said: "It is now important for Richmondshire that we move forward and take decisions that have been put off.

"The problem we have in Richmond is the offices are scattered around the town. It's not an efficient way of working."

A site on Colburn Business Park has already been reserved for the council by Yorkshire Forward.

Council officers have previously looked at 12 other sites but it was decided this one was the only suitable location.

The move will only affect back office council workers. The authority will continue to run its community offices for face-to-face inquiries.

Funding for the new development will come from the sale of the four Richmond offices and the council's savings.

The proposal to move offices will be discussed at a meeting of the full council next Tuesday, August 31.