A DELEGATION is traveling to London today to lobby the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in London over plans for an Army museum.

There are fears the £22m development near Marne Barracks, at Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, could be in jeopardy if wrangling between two government departments is not brought to an end.

The MoD and the Treasury have been arguing about which government department should develop and underwrite the project.

However, while the debate continues, there is a risk that £8.8m of European money pledged to the scheme could be lost.

Richmond MP William Hague, Richmondshire District Council's chief executive, Harry Tabiner, the authority's leader, Councillor John Blackie, and economic development officer Geoff Thompson will join the National Army Museum's David Smurthwaite at a meeting with Defence Minister, Ivor Caplin.

Before setting off, Coun Blackie said the party hoped to emphasise work had to begin on the museum early next year. If not, the European grant could be reclaimed and redistributed to other causes.

"We are all going to do our very best and, hopefully, come back with good news," he said.

It's thought the museum development could bring an estimated £30m to Richmondshire and create up to 300 jobs.