PLANS have been submitted for major repairs to a crumbling ceiling at York Art Gallery.

Chunks of plaster have fallen from the roof, and in other cases are held up only by wallpaper.

A report by the gallery's architect, Gelder Harvey, states: "It is believed that the damage has occurred due to general ageing, and degree of movement in the buildings, exacerbated by moisture due to condensation."

The south gallery has been closed for safety reasons, as previously reported in The Press, and York Museums Trust has now applied for permission to carry out major works, which will also see the provision of a lift for disabled visitors, enabling better access to the building's upper floor.

The gallery, in Exhibition Square, currently has a suspended ceiling, but this is to be removed and repairs carried out to the original ceiling. The changes will also result in daylight coming into the gallery, and appropriate screening will be installed to protect exhibits from light damage.

The building dates back to 1878, and has been home to the city's art gallery since 1892. The main gallery underwent a major refurbishment in 2005, and the new phase of work will be along similar lines to that project, with similar new lighting and wall linings.

Last autumn, a report to City of York Council's leisure and culture panel first raised the problems, which will cost about £200,000 to put right.

Janet Barnes, chief executive of the trust, said then: "The South Gallery ceiling in the art gallery needs replacing for health and safety reasons, which will mean that other works, such as renewing the lighting, will be necessary.

"A total of £200,000 will be given to us by the council in recognition that this is essential work which will enable us to reopen the gallery for people to enjoy as soon as possible. We are planning to reopen in April with a brand new exhibition on Stubbs and new displays from the collection."