AN Abergavenny group that wants to turn a former school into a community centre has been dealt a blow after Abergavenny Town Council said it won't buy the building.

Councillors met in the Town Hall to discuss a bid by Abergavenny Community Centre Ltd (ACC) to buy the former Park Street School, which closed in 2006, from Monmouthshire county council, just weeks after a lottery bid failed.

The meeting, attended by more than 30 members of the public, was held following a proposal by ACC which would see the Town Council buy the building for £350,000.

The group, which has outline planning permission for the site, wants to use the building for activities such as a crèche, drop-in café, art and educational workshops, support for young people and parents, luncheon club for pensioners and space for different classes.

The group proposed the council borrow the money from the Welsh Assembly and pay it back over 20 years, costing the average Band D council tax payer the sum of £7 a year.

In a statement on behalf of the group, Laurie Jones said the group is deeply disappointed that their request was turned down.

Group secretary Marion Pearse said the bid is still very much alive.

"We are looking at other sources of funding and the door has not closed," added Ms Pearse.

Mayor and Councillor, Norma Watkins said: "The council’s decision was unanimous and there were a lot of reasons, other than monetary, as to why the request was turned down.