KEY council chiefs in York have backed moves to sell off the city's historic Assembly Rooms.

Members of City of York Council's executive committee approved recommendations to sell the 270-year-old Grade I listed building to the York Conservation Trust.

At a meeting yesterday, it was decided to sell the freehold together with the fixtures and fittings of the Assembly Rooms, in Blake Street.

Liberal Democrats had called for public consultation before any final decision was taken on the sale of the ornate building, which was designed by Lord Burlington in 1730.

But the executive decided that was not necessary and agreed to the sale of the building - on the condition that the council can use it for up to five days a year.

A City of York Council spokesman confirmed that the recommendation to sell the Assembly Rooms had been approved.

The decision will now go before the Strategic Policy Panel, on Tuesday, where it will be debated by all parties. But the executive will have the final say.

Bill Woolley, the council's assistant development and environmental services director, said: "I am pleased that the executive decided to go along with the recommendation.

"It is the best way of securing the future of the Assembly Rooms. York Conservation Trust is very well placed to maintain it to the highest possible standards. This will be good news for the residents of York."

Coun Steve Galloway, Liberal Democrat leader, said: "We have made our position quite clear. We feel that the patrons of York should have a view on what is sold."

The executive chairman, council leader Dave Merrett, said: "The executive agreed with the officer recommendation to sell the rooms.

"I am sure the conservation trust, which is a fairly reputable body, will look after the Assembly Rooms extremely well."

Updated: 10:25 Saturday, June 29, 2002