LEIGHTON Hall, one of the district's leading tourist attractions, faces closure at the end of this year.

No bookings are being taken for 2001, staff have been told that jobs cannot be guaranteed and the Gillow family, whose ancestors have owned the stately home for six hundred years, have described the situation as "very bleak."

The family had hoped to raise vital funds by converting derelict farm buildings on the estate into a time share complex.

But despite the scheme being approved by both the city council and English Heritage, it was blocked by a Government inspector at a public enquiry.

"It's an extremely serious situation," said Mr Richard Gillow Reynolds. "We've been trying to find a way to make the hall financially secure for the last 20 years and we worked closely with English Heritage on this plan. We were all shocked that the inspector refused permission and now the house is at risk.

"We've warned staff that there is no security for their jobs or their houses and, unless something unforeseen appears on the horizon, I fear the bank will force the sale of the property."

Leighton Hall has been open to the public for more than 40 years and is visited by 30,000 visitors a year. The house is popular for wedding receptions and hosts a series of events throughout the year including a Last Night of the Proms firework spectacular.

Mr Gillow Reynolds added: "If Leighton Hall closes it will obviously be a very sad loss for ourselves, for our staff, the thousands of visitors and people who walk in the grounds. The house generates about £500,000 for the local economy and, all in all, it would be a great loss to the whole community."

Suzy Gillow Reynolds added: "I have spent the last 25 years guiding tourists through the hall but next year I could be showing estate agents round. I feel very sad that we have been denied the opportunity to guarantee the future of Leighton Hall."

The news was greeted with dismay by tourism chief, Cllr June Ashworth, who said: "This will be a catastrophe for tourism in the rural areas. It's one of the district's flagship attractions and it would be disastrous if closed its doors to the public. As a council we supported their plans and I just hope that something can be done."

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