AN historic North Yorkshire landmark may be restored at last - although it may be to the cost of grass cutting and street lighting in outlying villages.

A council meeting on Tuesday evening agreed by a single vote to set aside up to £80,000 to repair the Georgian obelisk in the heart of Richmond's market square.

However, Richmondshire District Council's finance chiefs warned members the move could knock other projects off the capital programme for the coming year.

They had only planned to spend £30,000 on a temporary project to ensure the stone structure was safe.

However, former mayor, Councillor John Harris led the call for an extra £50,000 to complete the job - and his demands were supported by a majority of only one.

"The obelisk must be repaired, even if no external funding is forthcoming," said Coun Harris.

"It is one of the most important and striking structures in Richmond and it is shabby and unsafe. It is crucial that the work is done this year."

Richmond Town Council has already pledged a financial contribution and it is hoped some of the cost may also be covered by a grant from the National Lottery's Heritage Fund.

However, in the meantime, the council's finance team is warning of a possible knock-on effect.

Manager Martin Drydale said amenity lighting, floodlighting for Richmond's Friary Tower and tourism signage for the district could all be in jeopardy.

Coun John Blackie wanted the sum set aside for village lighting boosted from £24,000 to £45,000 - and was supported by Coun Michael Heseltine.

However, the decision to repair the obelisk meant an increase there was also unlikely.

"How can we go back to the parishes and say amenity lighting is out because we are repairing the obelisk in Richmond market square?" asked Coun Heseltine.

Coun Harris suggested the authority considered raising the council tax levy if it was needed to cover the cost of the obelisk repairs.

Members agreed to ask officers to prepare a new capital programme to try to include amenity lighting up to £45,000 and playground provision worth £10,000, by re-jigging the priorities and the scoring system.

The new programme will go before a meeting of the full council next week.