THE sale of a former police station in Stockbridge could be delayed or stopped because of the Localism Act which came into force last year.

A spokeswoman for Test Valley Borough Council said: “As part of the community right to bid initiative launched by the Government in September 2012, anyone wishing to sell a building which has been listed as an asset of community value must first inform the local authority, which will in turn notify any interested parties.

“Should a community group or parish council wish to bid for the building, they must first express an interest in bidding for the property.

“After such an expression of interest is received, the Localism Act allows up to six months for the community group or parish council to put together a bid and there can be no sale to anyone else during that period. After this time, the owner can sell to whomever they wish.

“The old police station in Stockbridge is a listed asset.

“It was listed following an application by Stockbridge Parish Council.

“The owner has now informed the council that they intend to sell the police station.”

The council is yet to receive an expression of interest in bidding from any community group or parish council.