Bailey Hill Lodge to be transferred to Mold Town Council

Plans are being drawn up to develop Bailey Hill and the lodge as an attraction

A historic Flintshire lodge, targeted by metal thieves, is to be transferred to the ownership of Mold Town Council.

The lodge at Bailey Hill, Mold, has been empty since last year and suffered up to £35,000 in damage in September.

Last year hundreds of people signed a petition calling for action to be taken to save the 100-year-old building.

Mold Town Council said Flintshire council had agreed to transfer the building. Flintshire council said it hoped a deal would be reached soon.

Town clerk, Fred Boneham, said it was "great news for the town and Bailey Hill".

He added: "They have agreed to transfer it to us.

"I'm expecting any day, copies of the paperwork to sort that out.

"The council has also agreed to do the repairs to bring it up to a habitable standard. There's extensive work to do."

Repair work is estimated at between £20,000 and £35,000.

Once completed, it is hoped a tenant will be installed at the lodge, who will be able to "keep an eye on it".

Mr Boneham added: "We're looking at a masterplan for Bailey Hill to ensure it's there as a visitor place for locals and as a tourist attraction.

"But we will need funding for that. The aim is to apply for Heritage Lottery funding eventually."

Neal Cockerton, Flintshire's head of assets and transportation, confirmed discussions had been held regarding the town council taking over the lodge.

He said the property was "integral" to the site and both parties had been "working together to identify funds to bring the property up to good order".

He added: "Specific details and funding streams are still being finalised but it is hoped a formal agreement may be achieved shortly."