DISTRICT council chiefs hope to save tax-payers’ cash and use it to boost “vital” services after selling the freehold of a block of 24 Sidmouth flats.

DISTRICT council chiefs hope to save tax-payers’ cash and use it to boost “vital” services after selling the freehold of a block of 24 Sidmouth flats.

Brinkburn Court in Manor Road is now under new management.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) revealed this week the last flat in the block was sold “some time ago” and the authority decided to offer leaseholders the opportunity to run and maintain the building.

Sidmouth based firm Harrison Lavers and Potbury Estate Agents has now taken over as the managing agent for the property.

EDDC chairman and Sidmouth town ward member Councillor Graham Liverton, said: “The sale relieves the council of its responsibility for managing and maintaining the property and the additional income will go some way towards safeguarding a number of the essential services that we provide.

“It had always been our intention to sell the freehold of this building when all 24 flats had been sold.”

Cllr Liverton and EDDC’s housing asset and business development officer, Graham Symington, this week handed over the keys to Brinkburn Court to Spencer Jarrett, a director of Harrison Lavers and Potbury, which includes Hillsdon Management.