Fears are growing for the state of the disused Burton Manor.

The 19th century property closed as an adult educational college in March 2011 and ever since, owners Liverpool City Council have been in talks with the University of Chester over its sale.

But two years after it went on the market, the  house in Burton remains the possession of Liverpool City Council.

After its closure, the Friends of Burton Manor was formed to restore the manor and its associated buildings.

Jan Dacombe, a member of the group, says the ceiling is now crumbling and wants something done.

She said: “This is outrageous that Liverpool City Council haven’t sold.

“They were given a good offer by Chester University.

“I’ve been a friend and supporter for years. I had a piece of stained glass made there which is in Liverpool Town Hall as a memorial to the victims of the Alder Hey organs scandal.

“Gladstone’s beautiful house is going to fall down because the council are always saying they’ve got no money. It’s a major scandal.

“Such a lovely building will go beyond repair if nothing is done.

“I believe the ceiling is falling in. It really needs saving.”

Paul Kirkbright, director of the Riverside Innovation Centre at the University of Chester, said: “Since the decision to close Burton Manor College as a whole was announced in March 2011, the university has been in discussion with colleagues from Liverpool City Council as to its plans for the future of the site.

“The university is continuing to explore funding opportunities to secure the procurement and development of Burton Manor and while it has, to date, been unsuccessful, it remains committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for the university, businesses within the Atelier and local residents – whether that be as a university owned site or working in partnership with any future owner.”

Liverpool City Council themselves say they will advertise the building for sale later this summer and are committed to keeping Burton Manor in good condition.

A spokesman said: “We have unfortunately been unable to reach an agreement on the sale of Burton Manor to an interested party.

“We’ve been in discussions for some time and need to draw a line under this.”