A COLONY of bats believed to be nesting in an old mill chimney could be the answer campaigners are looking for in the final days of a battle.

With little more than a week to go until the historic landmark in Brompton near Northallerton is due to be demolished, the campaigners hope they have found a reason to prevent it from being pulled down.

They believe the 150-year-old chimney at the old Wilford Linen Mill is home to a bat roost and therefore is protected by law.

"Bats are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act and a survey will have to be carried out on the building to determine whether they are living there," said John Drewett, of the North Yorkshire Bat Group.

"If it is found that the chimney is home to bats, then a licence will have to be sought from Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) before it can be pulled down. It is also very often the case that a new habitat will have to be provided for the bats in the area."

Erik Matthews, of the Brompton Village Design Statement Group, which is spearheading the campaign, said that a number of avenues were being explored as the fight to save the chimney heightened.

More than 500 local people have signed a petition organised by youngsters that will be sent to Culture Minister Tessa Jowell and pledges of support have been received from county councillor John Coulson, the Allertonshire Civic Society and Brompton Parish Council.

Campaigners have gained the support of television presenter and steeplejack Fred Dibnah, who said the scenery will never look the same once the chimney had gone.

"It would be a great loss and a great disappointment for all those who have fought to keep the chimney where it is if it were demolished," said Mr Matthews.

"The campaign has galvanised the community in a way that is quite incredible and we are all thinking positively."

Mr Matthews said that the matter of a bat survey would be taken directly to estate agents Strutt and Parker, in Harrogate, who are acting for the owner, Felicity Bonaventura.

He said the agents would then have to arrange for the survey to be carried out independently.

Christopher Orme, of Strutt and Parker estate agents, was yesterday unavailable for comment. He has already con- firmed that demolition will go ahead on June 18.

The owner wants to dismantle the chimney, claiming insurance was a problem.