PLANS to finally install a disabled lift which would make a 300-year-old historic hall accessible to all have ground to a halt as trustees battle with British Gas to move pipes.

Bedale Hall is run as a charitable trust for the town and for years trustees have tried to find ways of opening up the huge first floor areas for all visitors and businesses.

After raising £30,000 and working out a way of installing the lift they approached British Gas in January for a quote to move gas meters to make way for the lift, with a pledge from the gas supplier that quotes take 14 days.

Vice Chair of the Hall Trust Cllr Mike Barningham said they did all the preparatory work and ordered the lift, which arrived in March, but so far they have not managed to get a quote.

“It does seem ridiculous,” said Cllr Barningham. “We’ve had a visit and numerous emails but they’ve lost photographs and plans which we have had to resend. It is very frustrating and disappointing.

“We contacted them in January believing it would be straightforward and we could install the lift in the spring, but it has just gone on and on. We’re having to pay for the lift to be in storage and there seems no end to the whole saga."

The Grade I listed building was purchased by the local council in 1951 after falling into disrepair when squatters moved in after the war. But it’s layout has always been a problem with a large sweeping staircase at the entrance blocking off the upper floors to visitors with mobility problems.

Funds for the lift came from Hambleton District Council and a historic Bedale charity, The Rector Four and Twenty which helps local good causes.

“The lift would open up the whole first floor area which has conference facilities and a number of offices. We also had a physiotherapist who was interested in moving in, but obviously they had to have the lift.

“It is such a shame when we have got all this together and British Gas is holding up the whole thing,” added Mr Barningham.

A British Gas spokeswoman said: “We’re sorry to have caused such inconvenience to the Hall and the community it serves. We’re sending a quote for the work immediately and are looking to make a contribution to the costs. We’ll now work with the Hall to make sure this issue is resolved as quickly as possible. We’re also reviewing our processes to stop delays like this happening again.”