THE trustees of Burnby Hall Gardens in Pocklington are exploring options which could potentially see them taking over responsibility for the hall from East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Stewarts Burnby Hall Gardens Trust said this could lead to the opening of a heritage centre inside Burnby Hall which would showcase iron age artefacts discovered in the town over the last two years.

Paul Lee, chairman of the Trust, said: "We are thrilled by the possibility of bringing back together the gardens which Major Percy Stewart and his wife created and the house where they lived for so many years.

"This development could also provide the opportunity for us to work with the Pocklington Heritage Partnership on plans for an exciting Heritage Centre which will not only give local residents an insight into the history of the area, but also attract more visitors to the town.

"The project involves a huge amount of work and will stand or fall on the Trust's ability to put together a financially viable plan which would allow it to maintain the lovely building into the future. An essential element in the preparatory process would be exploring the availability of grants to support the venture."

Mr Lee stressed the importance which the Trust attaches to maintaining the existing benefits that Burnby Hall provides for the people of Pocklington.

He added: "In particular we would be keen to ensure that the Community Hall continued to be available for use by local groups and organisations. Indeed, we would want to encourage the use of the Community Hall even more widely.

"We would continue with the registration of weddings at Burnby Hall since we wish to develop a Wedding Package centred on the Hall and Gardens."

He also said Burnby Hall has been at the centre of Pocklington life for more than 100 years and the Trust's aim would be to make sure that this continues.

An East Riding of Yorkshire Council spokesperson said: "Burnby Hall is owned by the council. We are aware of the Stewart Trust's interest in Burnby Hall and that they are exploring options for developing the Hall and Gardens.

"The Trust have discussed their aspirations with us and we are generally supportive. However, we understand they are still at an early stage, and at present we are not in negotiations but looking forward to seeing further detail for any proposals the Trust brings forward. "