ONE of Britain’s oldest courthouses and a Victorian gaol on Anglesey have been safeguarded for the future and look set to open at Easter.

The Gaol and Courthouse museums in Beaumaris will soon officially be taken over by Beaumaris Town Council.

In the coming weeks, the final negotiations and legal process for the freehold transfer of the two properties, thought to be worth more than a quarter of a million pounds, from Anglesey County Council, is to take place, although the exact date is to be confirmed.

In the interim period, the town council, with a committee of 11 town councillors, will gradually start to take over some responsibilities for the gaol and the 400-year-old court building which are both popular attractions on the island.

Over the years, due to funding cuts, the historic buildings had become run down and neglected.

But now, in the coming weeks, the town council is planning to paint the courthouse and carry out some repairs to both buildings.

Beaumaris Town Clerk, Prof Trevor Ashenden, said “The county council will soon be transferring the property freehold to us, and we hope to be up and running and open by Easter.

“Part of the agreement means we must use the buildings as a tourist location and the buildings must not be sold in 10 years.

“Income raised over the next five years from the nearby county council car park, estimated at around £30,000, will help us with costs and we are applying for grants, but it is early days with it all yet.”

He added: “The gaol and courthouse are historically important, and are real assets to Beaumaris.

“The museums not only bring people to visit them, but also into the town which is ultimately good for local shops and businesses in Beaumaris and Anglesey.” The Mayor of Beaumaris Cllr Jason Zalot said: “We are hoping to be open by Easter, all being well, and we hope to finish painting the courthouse in the next few weeks.

“We have a brilliant, cross section of very capable councillors on the committee and who are committed to looking after the court and gaol.

“The futures of these two very important local attractions and historically important buildings are being made safe for the people of Beaumaris for many more years to come.” An Anglesey County Council spokesperson said; “An Isle of Anglesey County Council spokesperson said: “Our aim is to ensure that both assets remain as tourist attraction and discussions with Beaumaris Town Council are progressing.

“We are hopeful that the sites will, as usual, be open by Easter.”

The Beaumaris Gaol was built in 1829 and the courthouse was constructed in 1614, and renovated in the 19th century