THERE has been mixed reaction to the sale of one of Haverfordwest's most historic buildings.

Red Dragon Developments has secured a 999-year lease on the Shire Hall and plan to develop the building for a series of uses.

The ground floor court room will be preserved and used for community events, speakers and auctions. The first floor will be developed into a restaurant and offices. The Quay Street basement will become retail units.

Cabinet member for communities, Peter Stock, said: "This is very exciting news for everyone who has the best interests of this beautiful old building at heart.

"The building is already starting to deteriorate and now we want to get the scheme under way to protect the Shire Hall for the future.

"This is the best of all worlds for the Shire Hall and Haverfordwest."

But the Shire Hall Trust, who had also bid, were less enthusiastic. Chairman Barbara Shone said: "We were disappointed but not surprised. I just feel it's so sad not to have something tourism-related in there because it lends itself perfectly to that in the middle of the town."

Meanwhile, Haverfordwest Civic Society warned they will scrutinise future planning processes closely. Secretary Barry Burgess said: "We will look very carefully at what they are going to be allowed to do with it."

He added: "This will not promote Haverfordwest or Pembrokeshire. The Shire Hall should be there for the county and not for individual businesses."

Town mayor, Rev Chris Gillham, said: "I have mixed feelings. I do feel that it would have been better if it had gone to the Shire Hall Trust.

"As for upstairs I don't think it's suitable for something like a pizza parlour, but a reasonable quality restaurant could well be a suitable use."