THE bungled sale of 5-7 High Street in Bembridge has taken another turn, with the parish council taking the building off the market.

The controversial sale saw the council tied up in a judicial review, launched by local business owner, Peter Burke, who had submitted the highest cash offer for the building, but had his offer rejected.

Relaunching the sale, a closed bid was held and Mr Burke’s bid was accepted as highest, but then the council called another meeting as Nick Challen, the competing bidder, increased his offer.

However, since then, the council has taken the building off the market.

A spokesperson for the parish council said: “Bembridge Parish Council has found itself in an untenable position due to the threat of ongoing legal challenges, therefore we have agreed to reject the increased offer for 5-7 High Street and remove 5-7 High Street from the market pro tem.”