If one of Cockermouth's oldest businesses is going to move out of the town centre it needs to ensure the redundant buildings will not go to "wrack and ruin", said a town councillor.

Mitchells Auction Company, which was established in 1873, recently submitted to Cumberland Council planners an "outline application for a new building to house Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Auction business" on land at Lakeland Livestock Centre, on the outskirts of Cockermouth.

Town councillors deferred making a decision on the application at a recent town council meeting, calling for information on plans for the existing buildings on Station Road.

They cannot be left to go to "wrack and ruin", said Cllr Julie Laidlow.

Moving out could have a "derogatory effect" on the town, said Cllr Alan Smith.

"It's been there for over 100 years and brings so many people into town," he said.

"If it moves up there it might blossom but my fear is it would be a downward step for footfall in the town.

"If they're going to take it out they need to put something back in.

"It's a big site, what's going to be go in there is an integral part of the application."

READ MORE: 150-year-old auction company looks into expansion options

Cllr Laidlow said: "I think they have become a victim of their own success, on auction day Lorton Street is gridlocked.

"If they do something constructive with the buildings I have no problem."

Councillors agreed to defer their decision and ask for more information regarding the future of the existing buildings.

In 2002, the company relocated its Livestock and Land Agency Divisions from the town centre to what is now known as Lakeland Livestock Centre. Last year it opened 12 business units on the site. They are all fully occupied and leased to a range of businesses.

Director and auctioneer Mark Wise said the success of their 12 business units had prompted the company to explore possibilities for future expansion. "We are looking into all possibilities for the future and expanding all or any businesses," he said.

Plans for the site were "not imminent", he said.