PORTISHEAD’S former library building has been sold to the owners of a long-running High Street business.

The owners of Gordano Carpets, which is situated just two doors along from the former library, have bought the property at auction and plan to move their business into it.

Gavin Brake and Rickie Pearce, who have owned the company since 2004, have submitted a planning application to change the use of the building from D1 to A1, to allow it to be used as a shop.

Gavin, brother-in-law to Rickie, said: “We are very happy to be the new owners.

“The new building will be much better for our business as it is on one floor - the current building is on three.

“We had our eye on that site for years thinking it would be a good one to get.

“Subject to planning permission being granted we hope to be in within a few months.”

The former library shut its doors for the final time on March 26 when the library service was moved to Horatio House in Harbour Road.

It was put up for auction on July 26 with four people bidding for it and sold for �185,000 - more than the �120,000 guide price given by auctioneers Maggs and Allen.

Portishead residents had hoped the building could be saved for community use but in May North Somerset Council confirmed it would be auctioned off.

However, the fact it has been bought by a family business which has been in the High Street for more than 30 years should see the building preserved for the town for many years.

Gavin added: “As a supporter of Portishead’s High Street we have been here a long time.

“We employ a lot of people from the town.

“We are supporting retail development in the High Street.”