Local campaigners fighting to save a historic cottage have vowed to take their fight to the charity commission, as Sheffield City Council derailed plans to keep the building in public hands.

Photo: Local residents join Lib Dem campaigners Cllr Ian Auckland and Steve Ayris fighting to Protect Graves Park against Labour’s Cobnar Cottage sell-off

Plans to sell-off the historic Cobnar Cottage, which sits within Graves Park, Sheffield’s largest park, were halted over the summer following the intervention of local Liberal Democrat councillors.

However, the auction process will re-start this month as Labour councillors voted to derail plans to save the cottage at a crucial Council meeting last week.

But local campaigners have vowed this week to continue their fight and intend to take the Council to the Charity Commission to argue their case.

Cllr Ian Auckland, local Liberal Democrat councillor for Graves Park, said:

“Graves Park was gifted to the people and the Council have a responsibility to maintain the park – not sell bits of it off to the highest bidder.

“Given that plans to auction off Cobnar Cottage were halted by our action, it’s a shame that Labour politicians didn’t take the opportunity to reconsider their plans. Users of the park are opposed to the plan and the decision to plough ahead with the sell-off will only lead to a costly battle at the Charity Commission.

“Campaigners have sent a strong message that the park should not be for sale and the Council need to listen to that plea.”