Skipton'S Renaissance project could grind to a halt after the local councils decided to suspend their involvement until concerns over accountability have been resolved.

The councils are concerned that the strict rules which safeguard the public purse and which the councils themselves have to follow are not in place. If they withdraw from the process the whole Renaissance project would sink as they own land and property which the "Vision for Skipton", drawn up by consultants, envisages releasing for development.

However, all sides are insisting this is a temporary hiccup that can be overcome.

The councils are concerned that the Skipton Renaissance Team has been told to "write its own constitution". They do not wish to hand over assets to an unelected body which does not have the strict codes of conduct and scrutiny which local councils have to follow.

Skipton Town Council decided this week not to appoint a representative on the team until it was satisfied that checks and safeguards were in place.

Craven District Council and North Yorkshire County Council have also withdrawn from the process until they have adequate safeguards in place.

Mike Doyle told Skipton Town Council that the Renaissance team had no ethical code of conduct and no requirement for its members to declare an interest.

"A team through which Yorkshire Forward demands that its funds are funnelled and which is expected to manage public assets and disburse public funds is sent away to cobble together a DIY constitution! That Yorkshire Forward can act in this manner is not only incredible, it is deeply, deeply, worrying," he said.

Councillors stress that they remain supportive of the whole process and wish to see it succeed but are fearful that the situation could be open to abuse.

Coun Doyle said he had no reason to doubt the team's probity, but those involved in public life were deeply worried in case anything went wrong.

Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate MP Phil Willis was due to raise the issue in the House of Commons yesterday, querying the lack of accountability of "town teams" created by Yorkshire Forward.

Jonathan Kerr, Craven District Council's head of economic and community development, said: "It would be wrong to suggest that the initiative has collapsed. We remain fully committed to the project and are continuing to work with the consultants John Thompson & Partners on a master plan, which we aim to have ready by December.

A statement from Skipton Town Council said: "Yorkshire Forward's current process, relating to the Skipton Renaissance, does not demonstrate any ethical or financial governance, there is no policy or process of accountability.

"Until this is rectified and valid arrangements and controls are in place, Skipton Town Council cannot risk involvement."