THE FIGHT to keep Llandeilo Market Hall in the hands of the town rumbled on last week when almost 50 people turned up to voice their views at a public meeting.

The get-together was arranged after it was revealed Carmarthenshire Council is to advertise the disused grade II -listed building on the open market.

The sale comes despite claims the town's civic trust was promised that, if a use could be found for the hall, the authority would hand it over free of charge.

New Llandeilo mayor Richard Wallace, who attended the meeting, said the turnout showed how strongly people felt about the future of the hall.

"The Llandeilo Civic Trust want to keep the hall as part of the town and people voiced concerns over any proposals that may arise for flats to be built there.

"Although that would be very difficult because it is a Grade II listed building."

Mr Wallace, who was made Mayor on Friday night, said he agreed with the sentiments of County Councillor Ieuan Jones who said that whoever gets the hall needs to be able to sustain it.

"The town council could probably support whoever takes over the hall but there is no way we can afford it ourselves so it's key that whoever comes in can sustain it."

Head of corporate property Jonathan Fearn said: "After several years of discussions with a variety of groups interested in renovating the market hall at Llandeilo the county council will be seeking expressions of interest from the open market.

"This process will provide a level playing field in considering applications and all interested parties will have an opportunity to submit proposals for the property."

He said the market building was continuing to deteriorate and it was "essential" it was brought back into use as soon as possible.