A SWITCH of position over lighting in Ronaldshay Park, Richmond, has soured relations between the district and town council.

Vandals are an increasing problem in the park, as well as for the neighbouring bowls and cricket clubs, and police have indicated they would be keen to see the area illuminated.

Richmond Town Council claims it was approached by Richmondshire District Council for a contribution towards the cost and duly obliged.

However, when it emerged that the project had moved up the priority list, some councillors objected and it was subsequently removed.

Lower Dales Conservative councillor Richard Dunn said if financial contributions meant some projects "jumped the queue" smaller communities with smaller budgets would be at a disadvantage.

At a full meeting of Richmondshire District Council, Councillor John Harris, who serves on both the town and district authority, pointed out the district council had not offered cash until it had been prompted.

He warned that relegating the Ronaldshay Park scheme down the priority list would send a negative message back to the town hall.

"Richmond Town Council has contributed much to this community," he said.

"It has paid in part for closed-circuit television, the restoration of the Friary Tower, information boards in the Friary Gardens, and will even offer a contribution towards the restoration of the obelisk.

"Over the years, the town council has put about £100,000 into joint projects and, if the district council wants to say goodbye to that sort of contribution, it is going the right way about it.''

However, the full council rejected Coun Harris's attempt to have the Ronaldshay Park scheme reinstated, although the priority list system will be re-examined in an attempt to ensure all the district's communities have an equal chance of new lighting.