An appeal has been launched in Sidmouth to save what is regarded as a 'hidden gem' in the town.

The hotel group, Christian Guild, who own and manage the Sidholme Hotel recently announced plans to sell the venue.

Following an appeal from numerous community interests in the Sid Valley and beyond; the Guild offered an opportunity to submit an outline proposal, together with plans for Sidholme, before going to the open market.

A Sidholme working group - consisting of John McGregor, Mukie Gosrani, Sameer Velayudhan, Sylvia Brownlee and Val and Colin Howels - has been set up to raise the funds to back the proposal.

A spokesperson for the group said: "Our hope is to generate a rescue package for this hidden gem.

"In essence, Sidholme Hotel, the spectacular music room and its amazing grounds have become an all-inclusive lifeline for so many people in the community.

"This Grade II* listed venue presents a great opportunity to retain and develop this historic hidden gem for the benefit of the Sid Valley community and those further afield."

An initial consultation is said to have outlined the business potential of the premises for development as a Centre of Excellence for Art, Music and Culture in the South West, as well as hosting conferences, weddings, events and charitable initiatives.

"Considerable interest has been aroused within the Sid Valley and we are appealing to the business and wider community in Sidmouth and beyond to see if there are interested parties with financial capability who wish to take up this opportunity, individually or as a consortium, to acquire the facility and develop the business for the benefit of our community and the people we serve," continued the spokesperson.

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