A NORTH Yorkshire council’s plans to build new offices have been questioned by councillors who claim money should be spent on upgrading existing facilities.

Harrogate Borough Council has tabled two options for its future accommodation as staff are currently split between five sites.

The preferred choice is to have new offices at Knapping Mount and sell its other buildings, saving money by reducing running costs.

But Coun Helen Flynn, the Liberal Democrat group’s shadow member for finance and resources, questioned the move and what the benefits were to local taxpayers and when they would materialise.

Council leader Anthony Alton said more efficient and environmentally friendly accommodation would “save real cash” and no borrowing would be needed.

Previous plans to move to the site of Harrogate’s former police station were dropped when the building was listed.