The future of Hartlebury Castle, near Kidderminster, still hangs in the balance and could be taken over by a consortium of businessmen.

Its future will be discussed at a meeting of Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet on February 9 when members will consider various recommendations.

These include the possibility of the local authority joining forces with a partner organisation to take over the property.

Many people would like the local authority to step in and save the castle and 43 acres of land from the hands of developers.

The council already leases part of the building for a museum and another option would be for an outside organisation to take it over.

Three organisations are said to have shown interest in buying the property, whose future has been in doubt since church commissioners decided the present Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge, should be based in Worcester.

Bishops over several centuries have lived at the castle which also includes a renowned 18th Century library containing many historical research documents and first edition books.

Councillors will be told that any decision ultimately lies with the church commissioners.