Pub giant JD Wetherspoon has pulled out of a deal to purchase a landmark council building in Forfar.
In the latest twist in the sale of 5-7 the Cross, the hospitality company has stated it is no longer looking to move into the Angus town.
The council initially agreed in a private meeting last August to sell the offices in the town centre to JD Wetherspoon for £400,000.
When news of the behind-closed-doors deal emerged, it prompted a rival offer of £450,000 for the three-storey building to be tabled by the local businessman Ken Parke.
But when the building was then put on the open market, JD Wetherspoon was the only bidder and had its offer of £350,000 £50,000 less than its initial bid accepted.
Meanwhile it emerged that £147,000 had been spent upgrading the building in the past five years and another £417,000 needed to be spent keeping it up to scratch.
The future of the property is uncertain now the pub chain has withdrawn from the deal.
A council spokesman said: “Angus Council can confirm that it is no longer in negotiations with JD Wetherspoon for the purchase of 5-7 the Cross, Forfar.
“Future use of the property will be reviewed as part of the council’s estate management strategy.”
A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon said alternative sites in Forfar were not being considered.
“We have reviewed the opportunities in the town but have agreed not to progress with any for the time being. However, this may change as towns and sites are under constant review.”
Forfar councillor Glennis Middleton said she was concerned about what would happen to the building now.
“I was against the sale in the first place,” she said. “My concern now is what plans officers may come forward with for the future of 5-7 the Cross.
“Any future uses that may be considered will have to come before members.
“My view is that no local authority is in a position now to build stone-built buildings and while I understand that there are costs involved with them, I think they should be treasured as part of our heritage.”