HOPES for a Heritage Centre in Dolgellau hang by a thread following news that the town’s court building is to be sold at auction next week.

A community group had planned to turn the former Dolgellau Magistrates Court, a grade II listed building in the heart of the town, into a centre to celebrate the area’s history and to operate as a local information centre.

After its closure last year, the historic former Dolgellau Magistrates Court was put up for sale for an estimated £100,000, but no buyers were forthcoming.

It then appeared as if the Provisional Court Committee would take responsibility for the building but, in a late twist, the court building is now up for auction at a reduced price.

The property will be among the lots due to go under the hammer at North West auction firm Pugh’s sale in Manchester on Tuesday 17 October.

The former court building has a floorspace of over 4,000 sq ft and currently contains a large court room and associated office areas and amenities.

The guide price for the property has been set at £70,000.

Jo Checkley, a representative of the court group and a Dolgellau town councillor, added: “Everything is on hold until after the auction, if no sensible bids, Dolgellau will be offered the building.

“As a group, we are ready to take over the running of the property and have a board of voluntary directors in place.”

Pugh managing director Paul Thompson said: “Dolgellau Magistrates Court is an unique building in one of the most beautiful areas of the country. There is a range of potential development opportunities available that would give this property a new lease of life."