A NEGOTIATING group from Leominster Town Council is to meet Herefordshire Council chief executive Neil Pringle in a bid to strike a deal over the future of historic Grange Court.

The county council wants to sell the under-used building which has long been used as local government offices. Town councillors searching for premises were outraged to be asked for £450,000 for the building created in 1633 by John Abel.

Mayor Roger Hunt who is to lead a three-member group to meet Mr Pringle, said: "We don't want to burden the ratepayers of Leominster with enormous bills for the next few years."

Councillor Hunt said town councillors had discussed ways and means of purchasing Grange Court, including a possible bid for funds through the Market Towns Initiative.

The town council wants to use Grange Court for its office and meeting place and to open it to the public. Space in outbuildings could be rented to community groups.