TOWN councillors have been left “frustrated” after Durham County Council has begun charging rent for a community building which they cannot move into - due to delays over repairs.

Barnard Castle Town Council struck a deal with the county last November allowing it to finally take over the Victorian villa of Woodleigh, on Scar Top.

Residents launched a petition after an initial bid was rejected as too low - despite claims it was gifted to the town in 1939 by town clerk, Ingram Dawson, who bought it in a joint enterprise with the former Barnard Castle Urban District Council.

He transferred ownership to the council on his death on the understanding it would be for community use.

It later came under Teesdale District Council and continued in community use until 2009 when the authority was abolished and Woodleigh was transferred to the county council.

More than 350 residents signed the petition demanding the town council be allowed to lease the building, together with the Citizens Advice Bureau and Association of Teesdale Day Clubs.

Despite a deal being struck last year, the town council has yet to move in because of outstanding repairs due to have been completed by the county council.

And town councillors expressed disbelief at a recent meeting when clerk, Michael King, told them he had already received their first invoice for £2,350.68 after signing the lease on September 9.

The bill, to cover rent until December 24, would be shared with its partner agencies but Mr King said he is currently contesting it as the building is uninhabitable until rood repairs, due to have been finished in August, is still ongoing.

Meanwhile, the town council must pay about £450 a month for their existing Galgate premises, a lease it had to extend.

Town mayor, Sandra Moorhouse, said: “The council really is delaying it all but we cannot operate in there until everything is safe and secure so it’s very frustrating but I think we see it as being something really good for the town.”

Mr King added: “They have started work on the roof but it is going to take a little bit longer.

“The rent is still subject to negotiations; really they could have got to this point a long time ago.”

Gerard Derby, Durham County Council’s asset services manager, said: “Rent for Woodleigh has been charged, as per the agreed lease, since the lease was signed by Barnard Castle Town Council in September to take possession of the building.

“With September being the end of the quarter they will have recently received their first bill as is standard practice.

“As part of the agreement, we are carrying out minor repair work to the roof and some internal plastering which we aim to complete by October 16.

“Although this requires scaffolding the building remains useable while the repairs are being carried out.”