Anger at auction of Bishop's Castle Town Hall furniture

The old and ornate furniture at Bishop's Castle Town Hall will go under the hammer in the next few weeks after officials at Bishop's Castle Town Council said they were items that 'won't be needed' once the 18th century hall has undergone a £900,000 renovation.

But the move has attracted criticism from some residents who have claimed the furniture is part of the town's heritage. The auction has already been postponed twice but will now be held on April 20.

Just £30,000 now needs to be raised to foot the six-figure bill to return the 18th Century, Grade II-listed building to its former glory by the end of the year.

The massive redevelopment will see the town hall turned into a 'community hub' for local people and visitors to find out more about the town and the area.

The council has advertised the auction by saying: "If you fancy an old pine bench worn smooth by generations of fidgety councillors or you need 40 extra cups and saucers, the town hall auction is the place to be."

Mundane items such as noticeboards, curtain poles, filing cabinets, curtains, carpets and even cups and saucers will be up for auction but the lots which have sparked controversy are more rare.

They include large wooden panels from the town's former magistrates court, pine benches, antique bow-back carver chairs, antique side chairs, an oak desk and three pine pews.

Bishop's Castle resident Michael Dawes said: "I share the concerns expressed by many that the windows, for instance, are an important feature, they should be refurbished and retained.

"Tourists come to Bishop's Castle because it has not been 'Tescoised'. It is different and should remain so."

Councillor Karen Bavastock, deputy mayor of Bishop's Castle, defended the renovation project.

She said: "I spent time manning a temporary tourist information office in the town hall during a half term break and never had any negative feedback on the project during my session, only very positive people who thought it was a lovely project.

"In the main it was tourists but they bring in much needed revenue to our local businesses."