A council has moved to quash speculation that it wants to buy one of the most historic buildings in Lewes.
Lewes District Council said it had no interest in buying Pelham House, which is to be sold by East Sussex County Council.
The county council's ruling Cabinet decided last week to sell Pelham House and move staff to County Hall.
About 50 people work in the building, which includes the council chamber, committee rooms and the chief executive's legal and community services.
The council expects to leave Pelham House, in St Andrew's Lane, in 2003.
District council leader Ann De Vecchi said there was no truth in rumours her authority was considering buying the historic building from the county council.
She said: "I can confirm Lewes District Council is not considering purchasing Pelham House, although it may be of interest to new businesses who are considering coming to Lewes."
The cash strapped council said it would sell Pelham House at not less than the market value.
Pelham House was named because of its associations with the Pelham family, which occupied the building for most of the 18th Century.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article