Swale council is confident it will be able to find a group to take over the running of the Sheerness Heritage Centre.

Last month we reported how the Grade II listed building in Rose Street has been temporarily closed while the authority tries to secure its future.

They are hopeful of a trust or organisation coming forward to take on the lease for another 25 years.

A number of expressions of interest have already been received and those that have applied will be having a site visit before putting forward official business plans.

Swale’s economy and community services project officer, Martin Goodhew, said: “There’s definitely been interest.

“It has motivated people and we feel confident we are going to be able to find someone to take it on.

“There is a demand to try and move it forward.

“It gives us a great opportunity to raise the profile of the centre and for it to become a hub of activity for the Island’s heritage.”

He said the closing date for expressions of interest was last week and they would hope to have something in place by the end of the year, if not before.