Time has run out for Workington Hall to be removed from this year’s at risk register.

A year ago, Allerdale council said it hoped the work being carried out would enable the building to come off the English Heritage at risk register this year.

But now it said it is not expecting the historic building to have its status changed, as the updated register will be published in less than a month’s time – but the deadline for applications for removal has already passed.

It revealed that although drainage works are under way at the site, further investment in restoration is needed.

A spokesman for Allerdale council said: “The works carried out last year to the rear of Workington Hall have been very successful in allowing large areas of stonework to dry out.

“However, drainage works still continue to be carried out on the hall, with further works commencing this week.

“This involves the installation of gravel pits at ground level to collect excess water through new pipework, and will be discharged through the retaining wall to the rear of the hall.

“This is expected to take three weeks.

“It is not expected that the hall will be removed from the at risk register this year, as further work is still required to the east corner of the building.

“A time frame for the completion of this has not yet been set.”

Work on the walls and some of the floors was carried out last year to make the structure watertight and safe.

The previous year saw the first phase of work resolve the issue of water penetration through the concrete roof structure to the gate.

The council is working with the local heritage group and Friends of Workington Hall Parklands to develop a plan for the future of the hall.