by Ben Lawrence

Bretherton's magnificent Bank Hall could be saved for future generations

The Grade ll listed building is to receive at £1.69m Heritage Lottery Fund after a 16 year battle to save it.



The Jacobean mansion will be converted for residential use, with the entrance hall and Prospect Tower being used for public exhibitions and tours.



The building, which dates from 1608, has suffered vandalism and had been the victim of theft, as lead was stolen off the roof in the 1980s and with years of decay important work had to be done to stop parts of the it collapsing.



Janet Edwards, chairwoman of the Bank Hall Action Group, which has been campaigning to save the building, spoke of her delight at the news.

She said: “We are thrilled we have the money and can proceed with urgent repairs.

“It is in a pretty perilous state. The external walls are sound but the fabric of the building has collapsed from the top downwards.

“This definitely is our lifeline that is desperately needed.”

The lottery money will be paid by Heritage Trust for the North West.

Sara Hilton, head of Heritage Lottery Fund for the North West said: “This support from HLF is fantastic news for Bank Hall.

"This important historic building is treasured by the local community who have worked for many years to ensure its survival.”