COUNCIL chiefs have sought to allay fears that an historic hall, which is used as a business and conference centre, is to be sold off.

A report this week had suggested that the 18th Century Conyngham Hall, in Knaresborough, should be sold to bring in extra cash for Harrogate Borough Council.

But the authority's economic development officer, Nigel Avison, said the report by Government Best Value inspectors merely served as advice to the council.

"The Best Value inspectors have not been engaged in a particular study of Conyngham Hall, they have simply been conducting a routine inspection of the whole of the council's economic development function - although this does, of course, include this very successful workspace complex in Knaresborough," he said.

Council leader Geoff Webber also insisted that the authority was committed to the long-term future of the hall.