TRADERS in Richmond fear plans by the district council to move its offices out of the town would be another nail in the coffin of the local economy.

There was angry reaction to last week's news that Richmondshire District Council was looking to relocate to a purpose-built base on the Colburn business park, near Catterick Garrison.

Dr Mike Nicholls, secretary of Richmond Business and Tourism Association, said the decision could leave the market town as "no more than a backwater."

"I understand the suggestion from a business point of view but, with the courthouse also likely to close, what would be left?" he said.

Gary Wormerlsey, who runs Barker's fish and chip shop and cafe, said: "The town is already struggling with the aftermath of the FMD crisis. This would seem another backward step."

Council chief executive Harry Tabiner said no relocation would take place until a community office was opened in the town to allow the public to pay bills and have access to other services without travelling to Colburn.