USE of an historic building at the centre of a market town community is to be opened up thanks to a new lift which will make the building accessible to all.

Grade I listed Bedale Hall, parts of which date back to the early 1700s was purchased by the local council in 1951 and is now run as a charitable trust.

But the buildings layout has always caused problems with a large sweeping staircase making access to the upper floors difficult for some visitors.

Now Hambleton District Council is putting up a grant of £3,000 from the Investing in Communities Fund, which along with funding from Bedale Hall and a historic local charity, the Rector Four and Twenty, has seen £30,000 raised for a new lift.

Bedale councillor John Noone, Chairman of Bedale Hall management committee, said: "The installation of a lift will create accessibility to the upper floor. We have conference facilities and a number of offices to let on the second floor but use has been limited due to lack of access. The lift will now open them up to everyone.”

For more information about grants available from the district council contact Peter Cole, Development Officer, Communities, on 01609-767212.