A COMMUNITY group campaigning to turn a former Abergavenny school into a community centre says it looks set to take over the building.

The Abergavenny Community Centre Ltd (ACC) said it is in talks with Monmouthshire council about leasing Park Street Primary School, Abergavenny, after plans to sell it at auction were shelved at the 11th hour.

It was due to be sold for between £300,000 and £350,000 by agents Newland Rennie Wilkins earlier this month, but was later withdrawn.

ACC Ltd wants to use it as a place to hold activities such as a creche, drop-in cafe, luncheon club for pensioners, workshops and support for young people and parents.

The school was to be sold last year but was taken off the market to give the group more time to find the cash.

An £800,000 Lottery bid was unsuccessful and the town council voted against offering financial support.

A council spokesman said it is in discussion with more than one community group but could not confirm if an agreement has been reached.

However, Marion Pearse, secretary of ACC Ltd, said she received confirmation of an agreement with ACC in an e-mail from Monmouthshire council.

“We were in the final stages of securing the financial package when the council said they might be willing to explore the possibility of a commercial lease on the site,”

said Ms Pearse.

“It is looking at leasing the site to ACC Ltd, subject to agreement, but the car park will be sold off separately,”

said Ms Pearse.

“We never gave up, and while we have achieved the goal that eluded us for so long we realise that this is only the beginning of the journey.”