A LIBRARY has been sold to the highest bidder – though for a lower amount than when it last went under the hammer.

The former Hipperholme Library building raised £283,000 when it went under the hammer.

Online auctioneers Pugh handled the sale of the former library at Leeds Road, Hipperholme.

The buyer has not been disclosed.

It raised well above the £228,000 guide price, but fell £3,000 short of the amount it raised last July when sold for the first time.

On that occasion the £286,000 it raised was more than double the £120,000 guide price.

The library was closed by Calderdale Council following a property review.

Under its Future Council policy, buildings deemed surplus to requirement – for example, if they are seen to be underused, or have other similar facilities not too far away – can be disposed of unless volunteer groups take on the running of them.

The policy is a response to budget pressures the council faces after years of cuts and any sales can bring in revenue.

The 518 square metres (5,574 feet) building was sold with full planning permission for conversion into eight apartments with rear dormers.

The building still contains many of its original features.