An "urgent" decision to appoint design consultants for Workington's shared stadium - at an initial cost of £50,000 - has been delayed.

Allerdale Council was due to make a key decision at the end of last month, but an authority spokesman confirmed the process had been held up.

It is understood the council is waiting for information from those who are bidding for the work, and will not make their decision until they have it.

The shared stadium would have to be built in two years to be ready in time for the town's Rugby League World Cup in 2021 and would ultimately house Workington's two biggest sporting clubs - Reds and Town.

However, no location has been announced for the venue and any delay to the plans may incur additional costs.

The council had agreed earlier that it would be "impracticable" to defer the decision until it has been included on the next Forward Plan.

According to a council report, there was "reason for urgency" because a "failure to appoint at this stage would delay the design and costs process potentially incurring additional costs in the longer term."

A council spokesman said the decision was expected "soon".