PORTISHEAD’S former library building has been sold to a new owner.

The High Street building was put up for auction on Tuesday and sold for �185,000 - more than the �120,000 guide price given by auctioneers Maggs and Allen.

A lot of interest was shown in the building before the auction and four people bid for it during the sale, however, it is not known who the new owner is.

The old limestone building, which used to be the old Portishead Assembly Rooms, closed its doors for the last time on March 26, following the transfer of the service to a brand new library at Horatio House in Harbour Road.

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

The 1,900sqft property is currently classified as D1 use, which allows the building to be used for non-residential purposes including health services, a nursery, a museum, a library or a public hall.

However, this could be changed subject to planning consent.