CAMPAIGNERS hoping to secure a police station site to use as a heritage centre say they are disappointed the building has been sold to a property developer instead.

Police in Cheadle have signed a deal to build a new police station on the site of a former Jobcentre, in Chapel Street.

Lulworth House, which has been home to officers since 1911, was ruled unfit for use in a routine condition survey in 2005. Since then, officers have worked in a former club building behind the station.

Town councillors have welcomed the force's commitment to remain in the town centre but conservationists are disappointed a bid to convert Lulworth House into a heritage centre has fallen through.

The plans by Cheadle Civic Heritage Trust had included a tourism office, a venue for civil wedding ceremonies, a registrar's office and meeting rooms.

Councillor Ray Wood, who is also market superintendent, said: "It is a shame Lulworth House is being sold to a developer.

"It would have been ideal as a heritage centre."