New year could bring new start for ruined Firbeck Hall

The Friends of Firbeck Hall (FFH) are now hopeful that 2010 could be a breakthrough year in their quest to safeguard the future of the property, which has been left to decay behind barricaded entrances for more than a decade.

The hall’s future has been threatened by thieves who looted copper and lead, an extensive fire last summer and a decade of neglect at the hands of its current owner, building developer Glenn Saint.

Speaking of the group's hopes for the new year, however, the FFH’s new chairman Simon Drohan said: “We are really hopeful that talks over the future of Firbeck Hall could turn a positive corner this year.

“The investment trust that are interested in the Hall have spoken to us and, although the details of their plans are confidential at the moment, it seems they have the interests of the building at heart.”

Following their initial contact with the potential investors, who are understood to be in negotiations with Mr Saint and have already been involved in at least two visits of the site, the FFH have offered an invited representatives of the trust to explain their plans at their annual meeting in the spring.

The group are also keen to open up similar lines of communication with the hall’s elusive owner.

Mr Drohan said: “Villagers are keen to know what is happening with the hall and we would welcome any kind of contact with Mr Saint."