CONSULTANTS are to be appointed to look into the provision and funding of additional car-parking in the centre of Ripon.

The first phase of parking assessment in the city has been completed and it was found there was sufficient provision to meet demand.

However, because of the redevelopment of the west of the Market Place, there will be a shortfall in the future.

Approval has been given for the appointment of consultants to carry out the second phase, subject to consultation with the city council and the Ripon City Partnership.

Harrogate Borough Council's cabinet member for public works, Michael Newby, said the shortfall could possibly be met through a combination of new parking and improved parking management.

"This brief will also ask the consultants to suggest how any new parking could be funded," he said.

"We will be asking them to investigate options and proposed solutions to parking shortfalls as identified in the first phase of the study."

The proposals will be developed and costed to meet the predicted situation that would follow the redevelopment.