Local oil and fuel distributors, KP Thomas and Son, are pleased to confirm that at an auction in London last week they successfully purchased a disused nuclear bunker at Templeton airfield. The purchase price of £130,000 was taken under the hammer on Wednesday, December 13. The 6,500 sq ft building and 1.26 acres of additional land is considered a very good investment considering what other plots of land sell for within the local area; also considering the high specification of build quality, said Kevin Longhurst, general manager. The Secretary of State for Defence did on the day of sale add the condition that should the property be granted planning permission for other than commercial storage, a percentage of any increased valuation would be payable to the Treasury. Thus reducing the risk of a purchaser obtaining planning for private usage and reselling for profit. "We firmly agree with the clause; we have purchased a local landmark to keep this locally owned with long term plans for its continued usage," said Mr. Longhurst. "Vast interest has already been shown for secure storage from many local companies. The vast amount of electrical components and switching gear within the building has also attracted interest from professions within the electrical industry." An identical bunker in Yorkshire at the same auction reached a hammer price of £146,000. The site is well situated between the two main transport links of the A477 and A40 and is close to the company's fuel depot in Templeton.