A LOCAL authority's controversial bid to relocate will be back under the spotlight next week when a new working group meets for the first time.

Richmondshire District Council's announcement that it is considering uprooting from Richmond and moving to Colburn came as a surprise last month.

Richmond's business community in particular was quick to condemn the idea, claiming it would be a blow for the town, which is still struggling to recover lost trade since the collapse of Mercury Bridge in the summer of 2000.

The authority insists it will leave a one-stop-shop behind, where a handful of its staff will still deal with administrative issues and bills.

However, the promise is unlikely to pacify shopkeepers, who are concerned that potential customers are going to be closer to Tesco in Catterick Garrison than they are to Richmond's market square.

The council has yet to confirm the move. A working group has been set up to thrash out the issue and meets for the first time at the authority's Richmond headquarters, Swale House, at 5.30pm on Wednesday.

The debate will be open to members of the public, who will be given an opportunity to ask questions, as long as they are submitted in writing in advance.

"I think it is very important that we see people there,'' said Councillor John Harris, a Liberal Democrat and former Mayor of Richmond.

"As much of the debate as possible will be in the open, and I hope we will consider all the options.''

However, when members sit down for the first time, it will be to a report from the authority's officer team which makes it clear they see relocation to Colburn as the only realistic option.

Refurbishment of the council's existing offices is ruled out as too expensive.

Relocation within the town is also ruled out because it is felt there are no suitable sites where the authority could improve its computer technology.

But Catterick ward councillor Tony Pelton will still press the new working group to consider Richmond's former Garden and Farm Supply Centre as an alternative.

"It is ludicrous to suggest moving out of Richmond when the authority is supposed to be helping to build up trade in the town," he said. "It is a total contradiction."