Grant could be last chance to stop mansion sale

A historic mansion which was going to be sold due to running costs could be saved if a National Lottery Heritage Fund is granted.

Plas Tan y Bwlch, a 30-bedroom listed building near Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, was built in the 19th Century for the wealthy Oakeley family, who owned slate quarries nearby.

Residents had protested the planned sale of the grade II-listed building in the heart of Eryri National Park as they were concerned they would lose access to the woodland and paths.

Proposals to sell the site have now been paused while the park authority explores ways of retaining the building as its new headquarters.