No one wants this 130-year-old historic chimney

By Georgia Cook

A historic 130-year-old chimney attached to a former brewery has failed to sell and can't even be given away for free.

The landmark in Wiveliscombe in Somerset has been offered to local businesses for nothing.

It was then auctioned to the public - but nobody bid for it.

Locals had hoped someone would be interested because of its heritage value and iconic status.

A public auction was held with a suggested guide price of £2,000 to £3,000 ($2,685 to $4,025) by auctioneers Symonds & Sampson.

But not a single bid was placed at the livestream event.

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It came onto the market after its owner died and was initially offered to a local business on the site for free, but this was declined.

The chimney does not come with the building attached, but rather a small road and pathway.

It is located a few miles from the Devon border and Exmoor National Park.

In the brochure it is described as: "An unusual opportunity to acquire a parcel of land forming part of the historic former brewery site."

The town council was invited to bid for it, but also declined the offer.

Wiveliscombe Town Council Chairman Roger Wilson said: "It is in a conservation area, and we decided not to bid for it as it would be a liability if anything went wrong and could cost thousands."

Despite this, council member Wilson said the council hopes to see the chimney preserved, along with the land and road suitably maintained for local businesses and residents to continue having good access.