DESPITE concerted efforts by local pressure groups, the Wilderness Centre near Mitcheldean has been sold by Gloucestershire County Council to an as yet unnamed company from Cambridgeshire.

For three years the centre has been the focus of determined efforts by local groups to keep the outdoor education facility in community hands. This led to activists attempting to physically take control of the buildings, and the formation of the Wilderness Project, which attempted to buy the centre for the community.

Their advances, on the principle of 'best outcome' over 'best price' were unsuccessful, and the place has now been sold to a company that already runs outdoor activities.

The council's deputy leader Cllr Ray Theodoulou (Con, Fairford) said: "It was important to us, especially as we look to our future finances, that we got the best deal possible for the sale of the building, and we feel confident that we have."

The council said the new buyer, which is not being named at this stage, has confirmed that it will use the centre as an educational facility.

The new buyers said: "We are really excited about the purchase of the Wilderness Centre. We are looking forward to bringing it back to life and giving young people the opportunity to learn about nature and enjoy a range of outdoor educational opportunities.

Labour councillor Paul McMahon (Coleford) said: "This is great news for all young people in Gloucestershire and particularly the Forest and hopefully this will leave a door open for the Wilderness project which I hope will now be able to negotiate with the new owners around their ambitions to have an environmental education facility on the site."

Details of the sale and price have yet to be released.