A bid for funds to restore part of one of the oldest almshouses in England has been refused because the charity still has council cash in its coffers.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Ken Thornber, has refused to give more funding to a revamp, costing £73,908, of Winchester's St Cross Hospital.

The decision comes despite fund-raisers blaming difficulties in finding cash support for putting restoration plans on the back burner until the end of 2002.

They want to restore a small store attached to the Hundred Men's Hall so that tickets can be bought indoors.

Mr Thornber says trustees of the 12th-century Grade I-listed almshouse, which provides sheltered accommodation for the elderly, still have a council grant of £4,354 untouched.

Invoices have only been received for just under £86,000 of the £90,000 given since 1992 to pay for improvements to the visitor centre.

Another £2,000 was awarded by the authority earlier this year to help with the scheme.

Mr Thornber made his position clear at a county council executive member decision-making meeting.

Fund-raisers were asking for a high amount of money and they had not drawn on a previous amount.

"I feel we have to say nil at this stage until they draw that money."

Despite the problems in finding funding, hospital secretary, Miriam Phillips, has made it clear that the charity remained grateful for whatever cash the county did provide.

Fund-raisers will now be looking at other sources of cash, including a possible lottery bid, to make sure the work is completed by the end of next year.

Anyone who wants to make a donation to the fund should contact the hospital's administration team on 01962-878218.