The spoof sign with a question mark over a photograph of the Glossop Municipal Building that appeared on the Chronicle front page in September 1988.
But could part of the High Peak Borough Council complex, which also housed the town hall and market hall, really be up for grabs?
Well, that’s what Councillor Frank Stubbs was asking after learning that a £46,000 project to improve the market hall had been dropped from the following year’s budget.
Money was earmarked to re-roof the complex, but as the council was looking at the future of all its public buildings, Cllr Stubbs had heard ‘various reports’ of people interested in buying the town hall and wondered if this was why spending plans were being shelved?
There was also talk of centralising various council departments and services and maybe putting everything under one roof.
Headquarters at Chinley were difficult for many residents to reach, so there were administration offices in Buxton and Glossop.
Extra cash was also needed to employ staff to run the community charge system, soon to replace the rates.
As it turned out the town hall, market hall and Municipal Building were not sold.
A multi-million scheme eventually came about, the complex was re-roofed and renovated, with a new look indoor market ultimately re-opening.
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From the Reporter files - Thursday 18th September 2025
