THERE is still hope of saving a historic building from an uncertain future after the Heritage Lottery Fund confirmed it is yet to formally withdraw an offer of a £6m restoration grant.

Uncertainty has been hanging over Harrogate's Royal Hall ever since regional development agency Yorkshire Forward said it would not contribute to the cost of repairs.

Harrogate Borough Council had pledged £2m and a public appeal was launched to raise £1m towards an £11m target.

However, Yorkshire Forward's announcement left a significant shortfall and the other partners have not been able to make up the difference.

It was expected the Heritage Lottery Fund would withdraw its support last Friday as a result.

However, last-minute talks with the council have prompted a glimmer of hope and, yesterday, the Heritage Lottery Fund confirmed it has yet to make a decision.

A spokeswoman said: "The Heritage Lottery Fund has always recognised the importance of the Royal Hall in Harrogate as a much-loved public building which should be contributing to local life at the heart of the town.

"We are disappointed the council has not yet been able to take up our grant offer, but are expecting further discussions with them in the coming days.

"Harrogate has already benefited from more than £6m of Heritage Lottery money, with 33 local projects receiving money, and we hope there will be more."