By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter and MyNewtown Editorial
A number of local Powys County Council properties are to be sold off by the authority, including the Llanidloes Library and the former Staylittle school and schoolhouse.
Two houses in Old Kerry Road, Newtown will also be sold, along with a property at Garthmyl.
They will be auctioned to raise money for the council.
The county council has chosen Brightwells to auction the properties.
The authority has provided a price guide and hope to make more than £750,000 from the sales – but has decided that the minimum price it is willing to take should be kept confidential.
David Micah, commercial property manager, said: “Over recent months a number of council services have been proactive in declaring various property assets surplus to their requirements.
“The Corporate Asset Policy has been followed and consideration has been given to the most appropriate mechanism of marketing and disposing of a number of property assets, many of which require modernisation and improvement.
“Due to the nature of these properties, it is considered that sale by auction is the most appropriate method of disposal, also providing the best opportunity to ensure that capital receipts are received before the end of the year to help meet the council’s capital income targets.”
All county councillors who represent the areas where the properties are located have
been contacted for comments.
Cllr Joy Jones said" “I have no problem with these houses being sold off as they have stood empty for a very long time and it would cost a tremendous amount to bring up to standard to redevelop.
“It will be good to see the properties being used, as these are properties that raise questions from time to time as to why the council are leaving them empty.”
The properties/assets are:
5 Conway Street, Brecon,
Builth Wells Library
Llanidloes Library
Hazeldene, Garthmyl
Former DSO Yard, Machynlleth
19 and 27 Old Kerry Road, Newtown
Staylittle, former School and House
Former Quarry, Rhos-y-Brithdir
