CIRENCESTER'S oldest standing building is back on the open market despite the town council receiving a barrage of letters opposing the sale.

The Grade I listed Norman Arch, which provides a gateway into Abbey Grounds from London Road, was placed on the market in January.

It was then taken off when the Chester-Master family, which donated the monument to the town in 1967, made representations.

But, at a meeting on Tuesday, town councillors voted six to four in favour of selling the asset and securing a capital receipt.

Cllr Deryck Nash, who proposed the property be kept on the market, said: "My own view is that there is nothing that has emerged to change the original decision.

"I don't say that easily but I feel that our primary duty is to the taxpayers of the town - we are where we are."

Councillors did debate the pros and cons of leasing the property rather than giving up the freehold but decided to stick with their original plan.

However, they will be making the details of the sale available to organisations like the Landmark Trust, which may be interested in taking on the property.

Cllr Brenda Potter, who was not present when the original decision to sell was made, was the only member to speak out against the sale.

She said: "I was appalled when I read about it in the Standard and wondered what message it gives to the people of Cirencester.

"I think we should not go ahead with this proposal - we should not sell off the family silver."

Her comments were in line with several letters sent both to the town council and the Standard this week vehemently opposing the sale.

Jane Hudson, who is the oldest member of the Chester-Master family, said: "Where is the honour and integrity of our elected representatives on the council?

"If the council cannot be bothered to apply for grants for the upkeep of this gem, the honourable thing to do would be to return it to the donating family."

Her sentiments were echoed by Rory Young, a local conservator of historic buildings.

He said: "Many townspeople were surprised and shocked to hear that Abbey Gate House was to be sold over our heads as it were.

"We are proud of this gift to the town and have entrusted its guardianship to our town council to keep as an asset to the community."

Nevertheless, town clerk Andrew Crook strongly advised councillors to confirm their decision of January 24 and go ahead with the sale.

He said: "The building is not going anywhere and is protected by law.

"If you have a listed building and carry out works which are destructive it is an offence punishable by imprisonment and a fine of up to £50,000."

The Norman Arch and adjoining cottage are being marketed for around £350,000 by Lane Fox of Cirencester.