Mansion sold by council for undisclosed figure

Woolley Hall has been in public ownership since the 1940s

A 17th Century mansion and other council-owned properties have been sold as part of cost-cutting measures.

Woolley Hall, which dates back to 1635 and became Wakefield council property in 1947, was disposed of by the authority recently.

Leader Denise Jeffery told councillors the Grade II listed property had been sold - but declined to confirm how much was raised.

Jeffery said the information was "commercially sensitive".

The Labour-run authority had previously planned to restore the property, which was originally the seat of the Wentworth family.

It had discussed turning the site into a wedding venue and spa but last year made the decision to to sell it.

The 18-acre site includes a walled garden, private tennis court and two gate lodges either side of the entrance to the property.

The property had been used as a college of further education and conference venue.

Jeffery told a full council meeting that Pontefract's old swimming pool building and Queen Elizabeth House, a former 25-bed care facility, in Eastmoor, Wakefield, had also been sold.

"These are all significant properties, bringing in significant funding for the council.

"Hopefully, those buildings will be brought back into use with the support of the district."

The 17th Century house was once the home of the Wentworth family

Nadeem Ahmed, leader of the Conservative and Independent group, referred to Jeffery's previous comments about the hall, when assurances were given that it would be retained by the council.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he said: "Is that the failure of the Labour administration now that you have started selling the silverware?

"What is the reason that Woolley Hall and others are now getting flushed down the pan?

"Is the silverware not silver anymore?"

In response, Ms Jeffery said opposition councillors had previously called for the building to be sold and accused Mr Ahmed of "playing politics".

"Times are tough in local government," she said.

"We are not funded properly and we have to get rid of assets.

"You know very well why we are selling it. It's not a failure of anybody."

Nadiah Sharp, independent councillor for Wrenthopre and Outwood West, asked: "How much did you get for all these? How much was Woolley Hall? How much was Ponty baths? How much did we get?"

The leader replied: "It's commercially sensitive, I can't tell you that."

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