CAMPAIGNERS have lost their fight to postpone the controversial sale of a landmark Cotswolds building.
A coach-load of Northleach residents, waving placards, picketed a full meeting of Cotswold District Council to help save The Old Prison for the community.
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STANDING FIRM: Diana Ray with members of the Campaign to Save Northleach Old Prison
The district council claimed it had to sell the Grade Two* listed building on the open market as it is “haemorrhaging” money and is a burden on taxpayers.
But opponents argued the building – which houses the nationally-important agricultural Lloyd Baker collection and showcases its original cells and courtroom – would be lost to the public if sold to private developers.
They called for “more time” for an “open and fair” consultation and to develop a £750,000 bid to turn the base into a viable visitor centre.
The Friends of the Cotswolds and Cotswolds Conservation Board are working alongside local residents.
Campaign leader Diana Ray had forced a full debate with a petition of more than 1,200 signatures.
Championing the Friends’ scheme, she said: “The Old Prison is the heart of the Cotswolds and that heart is beating.
“There’s an inspired vision for this building – this is our family heritage, show us you’re a listening council.
“The private sector has been bidding on this building since at least October 2010 so give us a bite of the cherry. Localism is all about putting the community at the centre of activities.”
But district council cabinet corporate resources portfolio holder Barry Dare said: “This issue drags on and on – since 2006 this building has haemorrhaged £500,000. That was infinitely greater than any income generated by it.
“The repair schedule indicates a further £100,000 is needed to make it fit-for-purpose.
“We’ve had eight commercial bids – 40 per cent of these below our guide price (revealed to be £550,000) and 60 per cent above. I don’t think we have time to manoeuvre any further.”
Lib-Dem opposition leader Paul Hodgkinson labelled one of the bids, for a 60-bedroom budget hotel, “crass” and said the proposed rescue package would maintain the base’s “social and historic importance.”
Councillor Patrick Coleman (LD, Cirencester, Stratton-Whiteway) argued there was no urgency for funds as the council had £40m assets.
Opposition members called for the Tory-led council not to vote en bloc.
Stephen Hirst (I, Tetbury), said: “It would be a tragedy if this issue is to split on party lines.”
The vote went 22-17 against delaying the sale.
Chris Hancock (I, Northleach) also fought a motion for public access to be continued to the prison and collection in considering the bids.
Members voted 33-4, with two abstentions, to “acknowledge” the public’s wish.