Work has started to make the Assize Courts in Devizes safe from winter weather after fears the building has reached a critical condition.

A recent inspection revealed urgent action was needed to protect the Grade II* building in Northgate Street from further long-term damage.

Wiltshire Council has agreed a series of measures with the owners Gatewell to protect the Assize Courts from the worst of the winter weather.

The council has been working behind the scenes to search for a solution as the building has continued to deteriorate and has now issued an Urgent Works Notice

Now work will begin to clear vermin and waste from the building, carry out temporary roof repairs, secure windows and erect scaffolding.

Toby Sturgis, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for strategic planning, said: "Wiltshire Council will continue to work with the owners to try to find a long-term solution for the Assize Courts.

"We would like to reassure the community that we will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of the building and the public.”

Devizes councillor Nigel Carter said: “This is very much a stop gap measure. I am very underwhelmed by it.

"I am afraid that after so much neglect this trivial level of activity will have little affect.

“What we really need is proper action and for the owners to be forced to get on with redeveloping the site.”

Last year Devizes town councillor Ted East called for action, saying: "All the valuable original features have been destroyed by theft and vandalism.

"The wooden parquet flooring has been destroyed by squatters lighting fires on the floor and iron railings have gone.”