Push to save historic monastery from sale

The building features a distinctive cast iron statue, the White Lady, which once guided skippers back to harbour

A campaign is under way to save a Victorian-era monastery, as residents push to transform the disused building into a vibrant community centre.

Perched on a hillside above Paignton, Devon, the former monastery opened in 1883 and once was home to the Marist priests, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Torbay Council has listed the building as surplus and intends to sell it due to prohibitive repair costs.

However, residents from the Clifton and Maidenway area are seeking to have it designated an "asset of community value", which would give them the first opportunity to buy it and six months to raise funds if it goes on the market.

The building also features a distinctive cast iron statue, the White Lady, which once guided skippers back to harbour.

Over the decades it has served various community roles, including housing the Lions Club and a food bank.

Leading the campaign to save the building is councillor Cat Johns who challenged the council on its plans at a recent meeting.

'Tide is turning'

Councillor Chris Lewis, the council's deputy leader, said restoring the building was not financially viable.

A public meeting will be held on 19 October at 17:00 BST at the Methodist Hall on Tower Road to discuss the building's future.

Ms Johns said the community lacked a dedicated social space and hoped to revive clubs and services once housed there.

"We don't want it sold off or pulled down," she said.

"The tide is turning, people want to reclaim the monastery for the community."