A FORMER school, whose notable alumni includes a renowned Cumbrian poet, is up for sale following years of planning issues.

A derelict building in Millom, previously Holborn Hill School, which educated the acclaimed poet and novelist, Norman Nicholson, is officially on the market again.

Nicholson was educated at Holborn Hill School and Millom Secondary School before his education was interrupted when he needed treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis aged 16.

The building is situated just off St George’s Road, approximately half a mile from Millom town centre.

Planning permission was previously received in 2011 to renovate the derelict building into nine houses, however, the planning consent has now lapsed.

In more recent years, the building has been used for rehearsals for Millom Amateur Operatic Society.

Sherry Barker, owner of the Pavillion Guest House which sits opposite the building, said: “It’ll be such a shame if they turn it into a block of flats, especially for my business. I think they should keep it how it is and try to renovate the building.”

Mayor of Millom, Councillor Jane Micklethwaite, welcomed any interest to renovate the building.

“It is an eyesore as it is and I would like to see somebody turn it into something. However, it is decayed and I imagine it would cost quite a lot to fix it.

“I would love someone to buy it and renovate it into a restaurant or something, but I think that it will be a major renovation job.”