A SOUTHAMPTON snooker hall has been sold for more than £250,000 after a bidding war at auction.

Riley’s Billiards and Snooker Hall in Church End, Shirley, was among 16 lots being sold by regional property auctioneers Clive Emson and went for £255,000.

It was £125,000 above what was expected for the building, which is licensed for snooker until November and generates £2,500 in rent per month.

Auctioneer Rob Marchant said: “We anticipated bidders going potty over this site because of the size, potential and competitive price, and this proved the case with a fierce bidding war.

“It may be the new owner wishes to retain the snooker facility rather than making a clean break once the licence expires this November.”