MOVES by conservationists to buy a Victorian schoolroom in Malmesbury have fallen through after the building was sold to a private buyer.

Last week it emerged that The Friends of Athelstan Museum (FOAM) had failed to acquire the town’s 18th century Moravian Church despite raising pledges of £107,000 from the public.

The chapel was sold for the £150,000 asking price, scuppering plans by the museum to restore and use it for exhibitions and other events.

At one stage it was hoped that the money could instead be used to help buy the Moravian schoolhouse, built next to the chapel in 1860.

But this, also, has gone to a private buyer.

In a letter to supporters FOAM said it was with “great regret” that it could not now proceed with the appeal, and confirmed it would not be asking people to honour their pledges.

FOAM added: “Thank you all for the wonderful support you so generously gave the project; it was both heartwarming and encouraging.“