Historic landmark may be sold to raise cash (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Historic landmark may be sold to raise cash

A ROW has erupted over the potential sale of one of Cirencester's most historic landmarks.

The Grade I listed Norman Arch, which provides a gateway into the town's picturesque Abbey Grounds from London Road, was placed on the open market earlier this year.

But it was then taken off following representations by the Chester-Master family, which originally donated the monument to the town.

Now the matter is to be discussed by councillors with a view to marketing the arch and adjoining cottage again for around £350,000.

And Will Chester-Master, whose father Richard handed over the arch, has expressed reservations.

He said: "We were informed that it was about to go on the market and this did surprise us because we knew it had been gifted by my father.

"A lot of people voiced concern when it was first announced.

"It's a concern that one of Cirencester's most historic buildings could be going into private ownership. It's one of the few remaining parts of the old Abbey.

"I hope the town council find a way of keeping it in public ownership.

"It's a historic building that really is part of the heritage of Cirencester and as such was left to the town and the town should be able to retain ownership of it I think."

The shock news was revealed in an e-mail to the Standard late last week.

Although councillors originally voted in favour of selling the 12th century arch in January, it was discussed in closed session to protect the rights of the tenant in the cottage.

When the Chester-Master family learned of the sale, they met with town clerk Andrew Crook, who immediately took the property off the market.

But, Mr Crook says a sale would raise much-needed cash for public services and free the authority from the financial burden of maintaining the arch.

And the matter will be discussed by councillors again, in open session, on June 14.

The arch was originally donated to Cirencester Urban District Council during the 1960s but Mr Crook says there were no covenants restricting futures sales.

He said: "It was originally debated on in a confidential session as there is currently a tenant in occupation and it was felt appropriate to give her advance notice.

"On the basis that concerns had been expressed, I arranged for the sale of the property to be withdrawn from the agents pending further discussion.

"The council is proposing to sell the building to raise a capital receipt and with a view to securing the well-being of the building by allowing an owner who will have a greater availability of funds."

His comments were supported by Jim Thompson of the Cirencester Civic Society, who added: "If it was sold a new owner could invest a lot more money into it."