THE outgoing lead member for the town's heritage says she has 'paused' the sale of the archway on Cemetery Junction.

Residents voiced their concern when they discovered the landmark was due to go under the hammer at the end of May.

The iconic archway could have been sold for as little as £100,000 for a 250-year lease.

However, councillor Sarah Hacker, who has recently been ousted as the lead member for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, revealed on social media she had managed to delay the sale to allow a community group to look into a 'possible purchase'.

Reading Chronicle:

Cllr Hacker, who represents Battle ward, recently shared her frustration after she was told Karen Rowland would replace her on the Labour council's top table.

She said: "So now its public. I'm no longer lead for culture. This was not my choice and I'm deeply saddened.

"I've been working with culture and heritage groups for eight years and they have been very pleased with my achievements.

"This decision was made by the Labour group."

The proposed changes to the executive group are due to be heard at Full Council next week.

The Grade II listed archway was previously put up for sale in August 2016 but no offers were received.

A council spokesman said: “The archway was formerly used as a police office, but has since been vacated and is no longer required for council purposes.”

The archway gives access to Reading Old Cemetery and gained nationwide prominence as the setting for 2010 film Cemetery Junction, directed by Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais.