ALL options to re-house Richmondshire district council in better office accommodation should be investigated, members have decided.

A working group is likely to be set up to oversee any move, but the resources committee was warned not to allow the process to drag on so long that the chance to build accommodation at Colburn business park was lost.

The council announced two weeks ago that it could quit its outdated offices in Richmond and move to the business park.

Any move is likely to be two years away.

The cost of maintaining the council's five bases, all very old and listed buildings, and the cramped and uncomfortable conditions they provided for staff, were given as the main reasons.

On Tuesday, Tony Clark, executive director, explained that several sites had been looked at, including the Gallowfields trading estate in Richmond, but Colburn appeared to offer the best site and facilities. The business park, owned by the council and being developed by Yorkshire Forward, would have high quality computer links and adequate parking.

Committee members agreed that the existing offices were woefully inadequate for staff and the public. However, there were calls for officers to look at other parts of the district and not settle immediately on Colburn.

Coun Harris shared Richmond traders' concerns at 150 council staff moving out of the town and the effect on the local economy.

"I understand that nothing has been decided yet and I accept there is a big argument for going to Colburn, but I am not convinced that this is the only possibility," he said.

Councillors Helen Grant and Lyn Miller, ward members for Colburn, welcomed the news.

"I support the setting up of a working party, but we don't want this to be a drawn out process and to drag along for so long that we miss the opportunity of the site at Colburn," said Councillor Miller.

The matter is discussed by the full council on Tuesday.