THE 'For Sale' sign is going up at last on the former SAS base in Hereford, but the price is a multi-million poundmystery.

But its famous Stirling Lines name will be missing from the sale details. The regiment's old HQ is being advertised next week as the Bradbury Estate.

Its potential is being marketed across the nation and potential buyers will be invited to view the property, still tightly secured and fenced in with razor wire, on specific open days.

The sale has been ordered by the Ministry of Defence through its Defence Estates and is in the hands of agents Kings Sturge of Birmingham.

It is understood the former base, covering more than 50 acres, is being offered as a whole, or alternatively in five different lots.

Herefordshire Council is expected to agree that the redundant army camp is considered a brown field site within an urban area and would be favourably considered for mixed use development, including houses. But council leader Terry James has warned there are question marks over alternative uses.

The key lay in an improved infrastructure, specifically roads. Without this, further development could be considered unacceptable.

Nevertheless, Councillor James said it was good news that the base was for sale, 18 months after it was vacated by the SAS.

Local ward councillor Chris Chappell, last week appointed cabinet member for economic development, also welcomed action on the redundant site.

But he appealed to the Ministry of Defence to make a contribution to the local community in return for all it had done for the regiment, and for all it had put up with over the years.

Councillor Chappell said it was envisaged the area could be utilised as one third light industry, one third housing and one third leisure and recreation.

If this happened the MOD should be asked to help pay for road improvements at the two accesses in Hoarwithy Road and Bullingham Lane and specifically a traffic island in Ross Road at the junction with Bullingham Lane.

The Ministry of Defence sunk many million of pounds into the base in Bullingham Lane on the outskirts of the city and various large and well-maintained buildings go with the property.

They include the sergeants' mess together with 55,000 sq. ft of adjoining buildings and the officer's mess on the other side of Bullingham Lane.

It is believed these could be used for industrial use, or for residential purposes such as nursing homes or student or social care accommodation.

A large block of 33 acres in the centre of the site is said to be potential house-building land.