LEDBURY town councillors have accepted a cut price rent offer for office space in the town council buildings, off Church Lane.

The upstairs rooms were formerly used by the Ledbury Poetry Festival, until the organisation moved to the revamped Master's House, on St Katherine's car park.

Until now they had been on the market for one year, with no takers.

The town council was hoping for £5000 for the rent; but the offer it has received and accepted is for £4000: a reduction of 20 per cent.

Speaking at last week's Full Town Council meeting in the Market House, town clerk, Karen Mitchell said: "Obviously, that's a big reduction in rent".

And to satisfy the prospective new tenants, the town council must also put in new heating and a floor covering suitable for a listed building.

The prospective tenant wanted carpets put down, which would have cost the town council around £750.

But because it is a listed building, dating back to Tudor times or even earlier, carpet grips cannot be used on the ancient floorboards.

Instead, the town council will seek a floor covering "that meets the stipulations of a conservation officer".

A new heater will cost the town council around £300.

When councillors debated whether to accept such a large reduction in rent, Cllr Andrew Warmington said: "We all agree, some money coming in is better than none; and how long has it been on the market?"

When the reply from the clerk came that it had been on the market for around one year, Cllr Warmington said: "I think you've found your answer then."

Councillors voted to accept the offer of a reduced rent.