Local authorities in Noyant, north west France have found a novel way of raising funds in times of austerity - selling their old fire station on the internet.

The announcement on the French personal adverts site, LeBonCoin.fr, offers the firestation for just €70,000, saying the 470m squared property comes with a spacious apartment, two garages and a sanitary block.

But no mention of a fireman’s pole being included in the price.

A employee at the local town hall told local newspaper Ouest France: “The selling price is really low, only €150 per square meter.

“Since July 19, the date the advert was put online, we’ve organised two visits to the fire station. It was decided to use this site because it works very well for private owners.

“But there is a lot of renovation to do.”

Since the firemen moved out of the station about 10 years ago, it has been rented as a private property by the town hall.

A restaurateur is currently renting the site for storage.