Skipton's Jehovah's Witnesses are back to square one in their search for a new base after Skipton Town Council rejected the congregation's plans to buy part of Bold Venture recreation ground to build a new Kingdom Hall on.

Residents living in the Keighley Road started a petition in objection when they discovered they could lose the land - especially as it is covenanted.

The homeowners, who have staved off previous attempts to develop the park, say the space is well-used and vital for the area, which contains a canal, railway line and busy main road.

Trustee chairman of the congregation Jonathan Harrison said they would keep looking for new premises.