CONFUSION has broken out over the ownership of an historic chimney which was sold on eBay by former Wrexham MP John Marek.
Last month the Leader reported the 120ft structure in Tuttle Street had been sold through the internet auction site by Dr Marek for £1,420 to a Deeside-based company called Subair.
But now - during the process of formally changing legal ownership - documents have come to light which suggest the chimney actually still belongs to the brewing company Marston’s.
Brian Marshall, a partner in Subair, said: “I was very surprised when I found out there was a problem. It happened when the deeds were in the process of being transferred. It seems the chimney might still be part of the Marston’s estate.
“I have left everything with John for the moment. I don’t blame him at all. He has always acted with great integrity in our dealings over this matter.”
Dr Marek said he became the owner of the chimney more than 20 years ago at a time when it was earmarked for demolition by its owner, Marston’s.
Dr Marek felt the chimney, which had been used for brewing, was an important part of the town’s industrial heritage and decided to save it and following discussions, an official from Marston’s said he could have it.
Ever since then he has been arranging maintenance work and insurance cover.
Following the surprise development that Marston’s could still be the chimney’s owners Dr Marek said he would be consulting archive material in Wrexham to find further details.
A spokeswoman for Marston’s said: ”We have looked at the situation and can’t find a record of the transaction of the chimney to Dr Marek. We are investigating further and keeping in close contact with Dr Marek.”
- Subair had been planning to use the chimney to raise funds for the charity Help for Heroes. Under its plans, members of the public would be able to sponsor brass plaques featuring the names of their own personal heroes which would be placed on to the building.
Dr Marek pledged to donate the money from the sale of the chimney to a number of good causes.