A COUNCIL will be asked to delay some of its statutory duties tonight to allow a project to revive a former railway station to receive expert help.

The Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust wants to prevent Richmond's former railway station from falling into private hands.

The council wanted to sell the station earlier this year but has been persuaded to work with the trust, which hopes to take over the running of the building on the community's behalf.

A feasibility study said facilities inside a revamped building could include a cinema, craft workshops, creche, restaurant and cafe bar.

Tenants would contribute to a central fund to help pay for the upkeep of the building, as well as other projects around the district.

Bids have already been submitted for grants from Yorkshire Forward and from Europe and have met the first two necessary criteria.

A separate application for funding has also been made to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

And the trust said it would need the full support of Richmondshire District Council's conservation officer, David Elliott, to succeed in securing funding for the scheme.

Estimates suggest Mr Elliott may have to devote three weeks to the project, between now and April, which will have an impact on the rest of his workload.

The authority's planning chief, Patrick Earle, will recommend the environment and planning committee approves the move when members meet tonight.

"The main risk in not accepting the request is that the trust's applications are unsuccessful and that it appears that the failures are due to the lack of specialist expertise," said Mr Earle in his report.

"I understand such an outcome would not mean the end of the group's interest (in the station building), but it would clearly be a significant set-back creating delays in the resolution of the future of the station.''

If the committee supports Mr Elliott's involvement, projects most likely to face delays will be statutory studies assessing likely lifestyle changes across the Richmondshire district.

The council is currently committed to carrying out three a year, but may now be forced to limit the number to two this year, with the postponed research carried out at a later date.