COUNCILLORS are to look in more depth at four possible sites for a new base for Richmondshire District Council.

The office accommodation working party whittled down a list of options to four sites, three in Richmond and one, the preferred option, on Colburn Business Park.

The meeting on Wednesday heard officers repeat their support for the Colburn site.

They felt the business park was the best option as it was fully serviced, including broadband computer technology, was in the district's centre of greatest population and the council's presence would act as a catalyst to attract other business to the area.

Also under consideration for a base are two locations in Richmond - the council's depot on the Gallowfields trading estate and 12 acres of land near the cemetery, in Reeth Road.

The other option is extension and refurbishment of Swale House, one of the authority's four premises in Richmond.

Councillors will visit the sites and officers have been asked to draw up more detailed reports on each one.

Sites rejected included the former Richmond station building, which was deemed too small and is set aside in the local plan for leisure use.

Other sites deleted included Richmond swimming pool, land at the edge of town in Darlington Road, the Gallowfields trading estate extension and the future Scotch Corner business park.