CIVIC leaders have admitted they may have to sell off a famous country house because they cannot afford massive repair bills.

North Yorkshire County Council is seeking fresh ideas from would-be investors about the future of the 17th Century Grantley Hall, near Ripon.

The authority, which inherited the building following the local government shake-up of 1974, is struggling to pay for its upkeep after consultants revealed that the income generated was only 13 per cent of its potential.

Councillors are now hoping to find a way of breathing new life into the Grade II-listed hall, which stands in 30 acres of open countryside in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It is used as an adult education centre and training facility, with residential accommodation, but planning laws would allow it to be used as a nursing home, school, college, training centre or hospital.

And, in an effort to entice entrepreneurs to invest, council chiefs have also revealed that permission could possibly be gained for use as a company headquarters, research centre, hotel or hostel, or timeshare development.

Councillor John Weighell, leader of the county council, said: "At this stage it must be clearly understood that the property is not surplus to requirements and is not for sale.

"However, the range of options may include outright disposal of Grantley Hall, providing there is suitable alternative accommodation, either on site or elsewhere.

"We are also keen to see what interest there might be in creating an appropriate partnership, joint venture or other innovative solution."

Grantley Hall is the former home of shipbuilding tycoon Sir Christopher Furness. It was sold to Sir William Aykroyd, High Sheriff of Yorkshire, in 1926. During the Second World War, it was used as a convalescent home for wounded servicemen.

Coun Weighell said: "We're hoping that entrepreneurs will come forward with a range of options for our consideration and we'll then decide the best way forward.