A FORMER railway club recently converted for use by bikers has sold for nearly £50,000 more than its list price at auction.

Located in Abercynon, near Mountain Ash, the former social club used by the Valley Commandos is located adjacent to the railway station and has been described as a prime location for recreational, leisure activities or light industrial use.

The property, sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, had a guide price of £75,000-plus.

The lot attracted a total of 82 bids from five bidders - eventually selling for £120,500.

In 2014 a then 24-year-old man from the West Midland was jailed for 12 months, at Wolverhamption Crown Court, after pleading guilty to stirring up racial hatred for his behaviour at a far-right concert held at the club, in 2013.

He had posted grossly offensive footage to social media accounts.

The prosecution exposed how far right gatherings had been held at the clubhouse in 2012 and 2013.

But members of the Valley Commandoes told the Wales on Sunday, following the prosecution, they had been hoodwinked by those behind the bookings and they hadn't been informed of the true nature of the events.

Debra Bisley, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: "Just seven miles away from Bike Park Wales, this property may be suitable for reuse as a bunkhouse for mountain bikers, as an air bnb or bike rental unit and repairs unit, subject to the relevant planning consents.

"It's just a three minute walk from Abercynon train station so the property is easily accessible and may also appeal to train enthusiasts.

"The property has been most recently been used by the motorcycle community as an event space, and subject to the relevant planning, could possibly be used as a public house, restaurant or café.

"Alternatively the property may be suitable as a motorbike repair centre, storage space or workshop. The property features both ladies and gents toilets, a kitchen area, complete with a serving hatch to the garden, a stage and a dance floor area and benefits further from being enclosed by metal security fencing.

"To the front of the property there is parking for a number of vehicles, and to the side of the is a garden with outhouse.

"We have been informed that the land, which extends to the river bank, may contain fishing rights, however this has not yet been verified."

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