PLANS to turn Blaenau Ffestiniog’s former HSBC building into a heritage centre have hit a major stumbling block.

The closure of the branch in Blaenau Ffestiniog prompted a consortium of local history groups to approach the international banking corporation with a view to leasing the building to the community.

The intention was to convert it and the adjoining house into a heritage centre, with local MP Liz Saville Roberts asked to contact HSBC to discuss the matter along with the town’s Gwynedd councillors.

At a meeting last week it was revealed that the bank had refused the request but had offered the group the chance to put in a bid in excess of £120,000 to buy the building, with proof of funding.

This was “impossible” for the group to achieve in the time allowed and they voiced their disappointment with the HSBC who had left the town with no banks whatsoever.

Two such bids had already been received by the bank, which wishes to close a sale by the end of the month, it has emerged.

However the group has decided to lay the groundwork for the eventuality of other premises becoming available.

See this week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online now