The sale of Dudley’s historic Saltwells House has fallen through. The house, in Saltwells Nature Reserve, was put on the market by Dudley Council for £400,000 – to the horror of 2,000 residents who signed a petition.

A total of five bidders expressed an interest in the site and Dudley Council announced at the end of June that the property was under offer. But the buyers have since pulled out, leaving the future of the 150-year-old property in doubt. The house is known locally as Saltwells’ ‘jewel in the crown’.

“There were five offers made for the purchase of the building,” said council spokesman Phil Parker.

“The preferred bidder has formally withdrawn its offer and we are now considering other options.”

A petition against the sale was presented to Dudley Council. It has never been revealed whether the bidders interested in Saltwells House proposed to use it as living accommodation or for an alternative use.

When it was first put up for sale, the site was listed as a possible “residential or commercial opportunity” and demolition was described as a “viable” option.

Dudley Council later placed a number of conditions on the site, including the stipulation that plans would have to include a new visitors centre, garage and car park.

The house, which was once used as an education support unit, stands in the centre of the picturesque nature reserve off Pedmore Road.

Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood councillor David Sparks, who was involved in the campaign to halt the sale, said he was worried about the property remaining empty.

“I’m concerned that the building is vacant and continuing to deteriorate,” said Councillor Sparks. “It is a key part of Saltwells wood and local people feel very strongly about it.

“It is unbelievably important in terms of the local history of the area and the natural history of the area.”

Councillor Sparks said he would like to see the house used as a community facility for the hundreds of walkers who use the woodlands every day.

“Unfortunately local authorities no longer have the money to use buildings like this for their own facilities,” he said. “It would be an ideal community facility.”