BUILDING work at Skipton Town Hall will be suspended for the foreseeable future.

A spokesperson for Craven District Council said: "In light of recent government guidance for anyone undertaking non-essential work to work from home if possible, the Bermar construction team on site at Skipton Town Hall has now been reduced to those undertaking essential works to ensure the building’s safety and security only.

"The health, safety and wellbeing of our own staff and that of our contractors is obviously paramount and the action to reduce the team to essential workers only, allows those completing these works to stay safe as they complete this action, strictly observing social distancing guidelines.

"When essential works are complete the site will close until further advice is received from central Government, and work will resume as soon as possible. Clearly this is a fast moving and challenging situation for the entire country and the position could change at any time – we will respond to official advice as and when it is received."

The town hall is undergoing major £4.5 million work to create a cultural hub, and was due to re-open in December.