IDEAS to find a new use for Ledbury's iconic market house have been knocked back. 

Plans to transform the building on the high street were mooted by Ledbury Town Council, however, the authority has now said there are no immediate plans to carry out alterations to the building. 

Instead, the authority has decided it will continue to promote the venue for use by local organisations and craft markets. 

This comes after concerns were raised about the mooted changes and the inaccessibility of the building. 

The Market House currently hosts infrequent events including brass band practice, community group meetings and Christmas market stalls. 

However, concerns were raised that the building was currently being underused. 

Officers were asked to provide a report looking into potential future uses for the Market House. 

Council papers, released before a full council meeting on October 17, showed a list compiled by the authority suggesting how it could better use the upper part of the historic building.

Ideas for future use in the building included creating an art gallery, cultural centre or tourist information centre. 

The council also made suggestions for how to better use the outdoor seating underneath the Market House, such as farmers markets, art exhibitions, craft fairs, or cultural festivals. 

At a meeting on October 17, Cllr Malcolm Hughes said it appeared the council's remit was the conservation of the building as an iconic monument, rather than providing accessibility. 

Town Clerk Angela Price, speaking on behalf of the council, said: "Ledbury Town Council discussed a comprehensive report on potential uses of the historic Market House during its meeting on October 17. 

"The council acknowledges that the Market House currently poses accessibility challenges and wishes to assure residents that there are no immediate plans to carry out alterations to the building.

"Furthermore, the Council has agreed to actively promote the ongoing utilisation of the Market House for craft markets and as a meeting space for local community groups. 

"It is emphasised that the primary focus remains on the preservation and conservation of this emblematic monument of Ledbury."