The new owners of a popular tourist attraction in Mistley could be decided in court.

James Fox, secretary of the Bunker Preservation Trust, today revealed two offers had been received for the secret bunker at Furze Hill.

But the sale has reached deadlock.

Dr Fox said: "There has been a major hiccup in the sale.

"There have been two offers for the full asking price and both parties are now threatening to sue each other, so it looks as if the courts may have to decide who gets it."

The secret bunker, at one time earmarked as an emergency centre in case of nuclear attack, went up for sale for £225,000 in January.

Two firm offers were made for the site off Shrublands Road one from a company wanting it as a secure storage facility and the other, a new company expected to continue it as a museum.

Earlier this month, it was announced it seemed likely the latter would be the new owner.

But Dr Fox said since then it had been learned this company actually wanted to change it to a computer games centre.

"There could be problems with getting planning permission for the change of use," explained Dr Fox.

Meanwhile, the secret bunker is to remain open as a museum until the end of October and at the weekend had a bumper number of visitors.

Published Tuesday, March 19, 2002