CAMELFORD Town Council has withdrawn its offer for the purchase of the town’s former St John Hall.

The town council had previously spoken in favour of buying the property as a future asset for the town.

Following the results of a structural survey, a number of concerns had been raised, but the council ordered further surveys to be carried out before a final decision was made.

At last week’s meeting of the council, the purchase was discussed and each councillor had his or her say on the options available.

The results of all the surveys carried out had been received and it was confirmed by clerk Mr Lee Dunkley that an asbestos test was fine and a mundic block test came back as negative.

The surveys in general highlighted no real reason for the purchase to not go ahead for a structural reason, he told the Post.

However, following discussion, a consensus formed that the purchase should not go ahead for a number of reasons, namely, the cost; no plan for its use; it would be competition for the nearby Camelford Hall and claims that there was a lack of community support.

Other councillors noted the high impact the purchase would have on next year’s precept; and the potential of other, more fruitful projects on the horizon.

It was proposed by Cllr Andy Shaw to withdraw the offer to buy the property. This was seconded by Cllr Ken Harris and the vote was unanimous.

A spokesman for St John said: “Sadly, Camelford Town Council has withdrawn from the purchase of our hall in the town. It will now go up for auction, next month, with proceeds from the sale reinvested in helping us provide the community with first aid cover, supporting our dedicated volunteers, and giving more people the skills to be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.”