CONSULTANTS are being called in to find an answer to Northallerton's grave shortage problems.

The town only has enough burial space for the next three years, and a new report has revealed it could cost more than £200,000 to rectify the situation.

The report was produced after an investigation by chairman of the Northallerton and Romanby joint burial committee, Jack Dobson, and vice-chairman, John Pelter.

The cost of the project would mean both Northallerton Town Council and Romanby Parish Council would have to borrow the money and pay back £226,000 over a 26-year period. Romanby would pay back £3,400 a year and Northallerton £5,300.

Both authorities have agreed to give the burial committee the green light to employ consultants, an exercise which could cost about £3,000.

Romanby Parish Council had already given the go-ahead earlier in the year, but Northallerton Town Council said it needed to look further into the issue. The council gave its approval earlier this week.

Town Mayor, Coun Dobson, said: "The town council agreed this week that the joint burial board go out to tender for consultants."

The actual work would see more burial space created in Cemetery Field,which is next to the existing cemetery. The town would then have enough burial space for the next 40 years.