An historic house in Leicestershire could be sold off and demolished, after attempts by residents to save it as a community centre failed.

The Cedars, in Barwell, has been used by community groups for the past 50 years, but it has now become financially unviable.

The building housed the William Bradford Community College until earlier this year, when it was left empty.

Leicestershire county council's cabinet is being recommended to dispose of the building, and reinvest the money from the sale.

Sorely missed

It was built in the 1920s and was bequeathed to the people of Barwell by its original owner George Ward, for use by the community.

Residents tried unsuccessfully to save the building as a community centre by putting forward a proposal to lease it for a nominal fee, but the plan was rejected by the county council.

Residents say the Cedars would be sorely missed, both as an historical building, and as a vital community facility.

Connie Hayball has written a book about the building's history, which has sold hundreds of copies.

The building was left empty when a college left

She has used the community centre for more than 10 years and said:

"We should all be very sorry to see it go as it is a beautiful old house.

"It does seem the older buildings are being demolished all too often and the cedars does mean an awful lot to people.

"People really love the cedars. Its been used for day classes and clubs of all kinds. You name it, it goes on at the cedars."

Major structural repairs are needed, including a new roof, new drains and improved security, which would cost the county council about �500,000.

Not justified

Ruth Camamile, county councillor for Barwell, said: "I think its just come to the end of the road because Leicestershire County Council does not think it is justified to put so much money into it.

"We hope to replace it with something really good for youth and community groups, a purpose built centre."

A final decision will be made later this month.