PROPERTY worth 'many millions' of pounds is up for grabs when Herefordshire holds its biggest-ever real estate sale, writes BILL TANNER

The Hereford Times has learned of long-term plans to sell off or let surplus county council sites, and not even the authority's administrative HQ at Brockington is exempt.

A portfolio the envy of any agent would put large land assets and a variety of accommodations on to the open market.

The council has long been looking at ways in which it can reduce the holdings inherited from four separate districts when unitary status was assumed in 1998.

Many existing offices are regarded as unsuitable for their required role, and a single purpose-built council base backed up by smaller 'satellites' is seen by some senior officials as the cost-effective alternative.

Currently, the council maintains 18 'headquarters' sites and more depots than it needs. These are first on the list for any future sale.

Even locations like Brockington, Garrick House, the county offices at Bath Street (Hereford) and Grange House (Leominster) could come into the frame.

Council leader Terry James said a sell-off of all the authority's surplus sites would raise 'many millions' and this option was being assessed over the long term.

Some depot sites, he said, were already available as the council moved to 'rationalise' their use.

A purpose-built council HQ, said Councillor James, could be funded through the sale of existing properties.