AN unwanted Somerset Council-owned property in Wellington which was last used as a temporary public library has been sold at auction at the second attempt.

The premises at 55 North Street failed to sell last year when it was marketed with a guide price of £250,000.

Now, a second auction has been held where Greenslade Taylor Hunt (GTH) brought the gavel down at £220,000, well above its new guide figure of £200,000.

GTH development surveyor James Nelson said the buyer, who has not been named, was local to the town.

Mr Nelson said bidding on the day was ‘competitive’ and saw the gavel fall at £220,000 in the Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster, which was 10 per cent more than its reduced guide price.

He said: “The marketing process attracted several interested parties.

“We would encourage those who are looking for similar properties to register their details with us, as we will have similar opportunities coming to the market this year.”

Wellington Town Council had previously been given a first option to purchase the redundant building from Somerset Council, which has been holding a fire sale of assets to raise funds as it tries to avoid becoming bankrupt.

However, town councillors decided the unitary council’s then-asking price of about £350,000 for the 0.29-acre site was too high and they turned it down.

The stone-built property was used for several months as a public library during a £1.3 million refurbishment of the main library premises in Fore Street which was finished last September.

The grade two listed building has previously been an over-60s club and a centre for the health and wellbeing lifestyle charity WHERE.

Mr Nelson said Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s next property auction would be held on March 26, the details of which could be obtained by calling 01935 423474.