BOSSES at Oxford Town Hall have given a two-bedroom flat at the building, pictured, a complete overhaul and are letting it for £1,000 a week.

Oxford City Council previously let the property in the 19th century building, in St Aldate's, for £1,208 a month in 2013, in a bid to make more efficient use of its property assets.

But it has now resurfaced on the market with an asking price of £1,000 per week, after being refurbished.

The second-floor flat was previously used by the Town Hall’s caretaker and has an entrance in Blue Boar Street.

Its wooden front door used to be the entrance to the public library and above it is inscribed ‘Studies serve for Delight for Ornament and for Abilities’.

An advertisement on the website of JCP Estate Agents described the property as “a jewel at the heart of the historic City of Oxford”.

It includes two double bedrooms, a large lounge and dining area, a modern kitchen and a family bathroom with jet-spa bath and a “spacious” shower.

The description added: “The period charm of the property is complemented by all of the mod cons, including wall-mounted TV and Wi-Fi.”

But Elise Benjamin, a Green city councillor, criticised the asking price for the property and called for it to be used as social housing instead.

She added: “To see it rented out at such a high price in a city where it is already so expensive is nothing short of shocking.

"We have a significant number still on the waiting list.”

Dave Scholes, the city council’s housing strategy and needs manager, said: “We have a responsibility to council tax payers to secure the best returns on council assets in order to invest in frontline services.”