FRUSTRATED councillors are promising to step up their bid to bring one of the town's best-loved heritage buildings back to life.

They say the time has arrived for action at the site of the crumbling Corn Exchange and Old Town Hall buildings, better known as the Locarno.

A lack of progress on plans to rejuvenate the building forced the council to terminate a development agreement last year.

Now councillors will look at what action could be taken if its owner, businessman Gael Mackenzie, does not bring forward a planning application for a revised scheme by June.

Old Town and East Wichel councillor Nick Burns-Howell submitted a motion in the last full council meeting, forcing the cabinet to talk about the situation when it next sits on Wednesday night.

Coun Burns-Howell asked officers to explore all options with the owner to see what would be required to guarantee a completed regeneration scheme by 2025.

He said: “Enough is enough. We need action not words and I look forward to working with the private owner if he is willing or able to submit a full planning application – reassured in the knowledge that if he fails the council is preparing to take action.”

Among the options to be presented to the Conservative cabinet include using compulsory purchase powers, statutory powers or a range of enforcement notices, designed to preserve the building.

Cabinet member for the town centre, culture and heritage Dale Heenan said: “The Corn Exchange, which is not owned by the council, has been standing as an empty shell for far too long and, after giving the previous developer every chance to bring this important building back to life, now it is time for positive action.

“The building is owned by Gael Mackenzie and his architect is currently working with the council’s planning team on a viable scheme.

“If plans are not submitted soon then this report lays out the steps the council can take, starting with enforcement action, and ultimately a compulsory purchase.

“We are prepared to help, we will do what we can to support restoration and new uses, but it is important we finally see some positive movement with this important heritage asset.”