DISTRICT councillors from across the rainbow coalition have called for Stroud’s historic Sub Rooms to be taken off the market.

Labour SDC councillors, with the support of Green and Lib Dem leaders, have today called for the sale to be scrapped and the building kept in public hands.

Instead of being sold, the 185-year-old arts and music hub would available on a 30 year leasehold to be advertised immediately.

SDC Labour leader Steve Lydon said: “We are currently in talks with councillors across all parties asking them to support our leasehold recommendation when it goes before the strategy and resources committee on December 5.

“Taking the Subs off the market is by no means a foregone conclusion and will depend on the S&R committee members accepting our decision.”

If the suggestions are accepted, the deadline for bids would be extended until April 12.

New criteria surrounding clarity into the building’s community usage and the omission of the forecourt from any leasehold are also Included in the Labour motion.

Concerns into the uncertainty that staff would face following the extension of the process are acknowledge, and the party asserts that prospective bids should include any implications for existing employees.

District council leaders from both the Greens and Lib Dems have indicated that they will support the new proposal when it is presented in a fortnight.

Green leader Martin Whiteside said: "We strongly support plans to overturn the recommendations for a freehold sale.

”We are also passionate about keeping the forecourt in public ownership for all of us to use and enjoy for ever.”

Lib Dem leader Ken Tucker added: “The Lib Dems wish to thank those who have worked so hard on the plans to date but we welcome new opportunities to widen the scope of future use, including an acceptable leasehold agreement.”

Stroud mayor Kevin Cranston felt that the pause in the process was ‘an opportunity for the district council to provide a more open and transparent process, and a proper public consultation.’ More reaction to follow.