A PLAN to sell Alexandria’s former medical centre to a church was the only offer when council bosses marketed the land.

Councillors heard last week how the property at Bank Street would become a new congregational hall for Jehovah’s Witnesses.

There were only two offers and when council bosses asked for further details from the higher bidder, Askaig Property Asset Advisors Ltd, they withdrew.

That left the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain who offered £165,000 with a lease at £1 a year for 125 years.

But councillors on the infrastructure, regeneration and economic development committee questioned whether it was the best option.

Councillor Martin Rooney suggested approaching housing associations to see if they wanted it for new homes.

He said: “This option doesn’t bring a great economic benefit. It covers the site, which would be good, and maybe bring people into the town.

“On it’s own, it’s not a great offer, other than £165,000 capital receipt.

“Looking at the redevelopment of Mitchell Way, it was about regeneration and jobs to the town centre. I’m not convinced we have got the best option necessary here.”

Jim McAloon, head of regeneration and economic development, said councillors could choose to market it again, with no restrictions on the site.

Officers added the use of the site could be revisited in five years.

Council leader Jonathan McColl said: “I think this is not perhaps the best thing we could have got but it’s what we did get. It’s not an unreasonable offer.”

He said he was more comfortable with less money coming in to council accounts given they retained some control of what goes on at the site, compared to a potentially higher sale price but no influence.

The sale was agreed by five votes to four.

Jehovah’s Witnesses currently leases property from the council on Poplar Road in Dumbarton.