THE Georgian house which served as Haydon Bridge High School’s boarding wing for over 40 years could be sold within the next month.

Ridley Hall, near Bardon Mill, was put on the market at a price of £1.6m in January when its owners, the Evans family, claimed that the school no longer wished to use the facility.

The two dozen boarders it accommodated, from far reaching communities, moved out in March, initially as a temporary measure.

But in May, the school, which was on the verge of becoming a sponsored academy, confirmed that boarding provision would no longer be continued.

This week, the Evans family, which has owned Ridley Hall since 1949, confirmed they were in talks regarding the sale of the historic property and its grounds, which could be completed by the end of September.

Speaking on behalf of the family, property surveyor Martyn Lytollis said it was too early to identify the prospective buyer.

He explained: “For over 40 years, the family has been dedicated to making Ridley Hall available as a boarding facility, but the change in circumstances meant they reluctantly put the property up for sale.

“It is not signed and sealed, but things are progressing positively and we are confident that Ridley Hall will be passed into good hands.”

The property was leased by Northumberland County Council for use by Haydon Bridge High School, from 1975 until this summer, when the lease ran out.

Mr Lytollis said it was hoped the county council and other users of the hall and its grounds, including Tynedale Horticultural Service, would vacate the premises by the end of September.

A new home was being sought for the horticultural service, which had been based at Ridley Hall since 1994, and provided opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.