A ONCE prominent Stourport building which has sunk into obscurity is creating a wave of interest after going on the market.

The Toll House, in Dunley Road, has had a chequered history in recent decades.

The once proud building, which had also housed the police station and town prison, became a caf during the war and later an amusement arcade, before falling into disuse for many years.

More recently, it has been a doctor's surgery, light engineering works and the grounds were even used as a bus turning bay.

It is now up for sale, however, with full planning permission for an extension and a new building in the grounds.

Selling agent, Nick Jethwa, of Humberts, said he had had 30 inquiries since the 'for sale' boards went up, although he declined to tell the Shuttle/Times & News how much was being asked for the property.

He described the piece of real estate as "a good chunk of prominent Stourport", suitable for a variety of commercial uses as well as flats. The building's varied history belies the importance it had held for the town as the toll house to Stourport Bridge.

Pauline Annis, chairman of the town's civic society, said she did not think the building, which is not listed, was "of any particular significance".

It is known that, as well as the toll house, the building doubled as the police station and the town prison - the cells are still there. There are also hints at controversy over the toll rate, according to the current owner, John Wright. It is unclear when it was built, although Mr Wright said he believed it was Georgian.

This week, the little house has gone on the market with full planning permission to turn the existing building into three flats with commercial units underneath and to build a new three-storey building for two flats, with office space underneath in the car park.

Stourport Civic Society had objected to the plans on the grounds that the height of the new building would be "overpowering" on the narrow stretch of road, an important approach to the town, and also that the site was not suitable for residential use.