Group fights on as former school building is put back on the market

THE controversial sale of a former school building in Derbyshire is back on after the National Trust, which owns the site, resubmitted the property for auction.

It is a move that has angered a local campaign group, which is desperate to keep hold of Stainsby School rather than see it bought by somebody else and possibly redeveloped.

The building, which has stood on the site since the late 19th century, has been at the centre of a longrunning dispute between the local community and the National Trust over its future.

Save Stainsby School has accused the Trust of breaking “a promise to the parish council to collaborate on a project to refurbish it as a community hub”.

The sale of the building, to the highest bidder, was due to take place last month but was withdrawn by the National Trust at the last minute due to “a title matter”. However, the sale is now back on with the auction closing at noon on Tuesday, November 16.

A spokesperson for the National Trust said in a statement: “We can confirm that we are returning the former Stainsby School to public auction on Friday, November 5, until noon on Tuesday, November 16.

“In accordance with section 119 of the Charity Act, it is our responsibility to ensure that this sale is transparent, and an online public auction is still the best way to do this.”

However, a message sent by Doctor Hugh Ellis, vice president of Stainsby Festival and seen by the

Derby Telegraph, claims the Trust has rejected an improved offer to stop the site being auctioned off.

He said: “No one can really believe that the National Trust could be so uncaring and just focus on their profits. This has been a David and Goliath battle between the local community and those who only seem to care about the bottom line. We will fight on!”