A ROTTING block of council flats where thousands of pounds needs to be spent on repair and refurbishment is set to be sold to a housing association which wants to build more homes in its grounds.

Grove House, in Harrogate Road, Ripon - part of the city's conservation area - was built 150 years ago and later converted into four flats. It stands in secluded grounds and has become a target for vandals and a source of complaints to owner Harrogate Borough Council.

So officers are suggesting it should be transferred to Home Housing Association which would get funds from the Housing Corporation for a major refurbishment scheme and build five houses in the gardens.

The council's assistant housing director Guy Wilman said if deterioration to the fabric of the building was left unchecked there would be a doubt over its fitness for habitation.

Major structural faults had been found and extensive work was needed on vertical cracks, floor timbers and the roof.

Electrical and plumbing work together with provision of central heating and new bathrooms and kitch-ens would take the bill towards £135,000.

Mr Wilman said three of the flats were occupied but tenants had agreed to permanent moves to other council or housing association accommodation to allow work to be done.

The transfer has the support of the council's cabinet member for housing Chris Lewis and Ripon members. It is expected to be backed in principle by the cabinet when it meets on Wednesday.

Final details of price will be thrashed out once a decision is made on a planning application for building in the grounds