hope has emerged that at least part of Ripon's closing university campus could be retained for educational purposes.

Despite a successful bid for £3m of Government money to kick-start the local economy, the city's economic future still seemed uncertain at the beginning of the year.

The University College of Ripon and York St John is to close the Ripon campus next year, and there were fears the loss of more than 800 students would have a severe impact on local trade.

The Ripon Partnership, which pioneered the Single Regeneration Bid, was also concerned homes would replace the old lecture rooms and halls of residence, and the community would miss out on an opportunity to attract new investment.

However, at a meeting between the local authority, representatives from Ripon Cathedral and the Liverpool Hope University, the latter has confirmed it is interested in the possibility of establishing a new teacher training college in at least some of the Ripon buildings.

The move will rely of the blessing of the new owners of the college campus. The owners have yet to be confirmed, although it is understood a deal is almost complete with an unnamed developer.

"We are not sure of their identity, but we understand they are sympathetic towards the objectives of our regeneration programme, which could also include some employment on the site," said the chairman of the Ripon Partnership, Bernard Bateman, yesterday.

"At least it seems we can now see thing things moving forward rather than a decade of the buildings lying idle," he said.

Ripon diocese communications officer, John Carter, is was also encouraged by the Liverpool Hope University's interest.

"There is a general feeling among the clergy here that further education should remain available in Ripon, particularly teacher training, and the Liverpool Hope is a specialist in the field.

"The project is still in its early stages and we would need the support of the new owners of the college site, but we are hopeful of progress within the next few weeks," he said.