A Northallerton park could become the centre of a legal battle amid fears that it is earmarked for retail development.

Possible development plans for the cattle mart have prompted the town council to seek legal advice about the Applegarth.

Town Mayor, Coun Jack Dobson, told his fellow members that Hambleton District Council had requested to see the deeds for the adjacent Applegarth, which the town council acts as trustee for.

He said: "In a public meeting in 1919 quite a few families came together and offered the Applegarth as a gift to the town on one condition - it is open space for the children of Northallerton."

Coun Dobson said that he had studied the deeds. They outlined exactly what was owned by the council.

He said: "It brings into question the present car park on the Applegarth. This document includes part of the car park in the land Northallerton Town Council is responsible for.

"I believe the town council should not forward any documents to anyone until we are legally certain of our position."

Hambleton District Council recently announced plans for a major review of retailing opportunities in Northallerton town centre.

These plans would look at possible uses for the town's cattle mart if proposals to relocate it go ahead.

However, during discussions at the town council meeting, concerns were expressed that part of the development would incorporate part of the Applegarth.

Coun Rob Kennedy said that a lot of hard work had been put in towards developing a millennium park which had support from the townspeople.

"It would be a failing on our part if we do not fully respect the intentions of the people who gave the covenant for the benefit of the people of this town."