THE leader of Swindon Borough Council has called for a feasibility study on the Mechanics' Institute following the Evening Advertiser's report on the building's poor condition.

Coun Sue Bates has called for a thorough feasibility study on the future of the 19th century building.

She has ordered the report to be ready for August 2 to allow the council to look at the best way to bring the building, which has been empty for 14 years, back into a state of repair.

Coun Bates (Lab, Gorse Hill) said: I am aware that the current owners of the building have submitted a planning application to the council to convert the building into a hotel.

"I want to emphasise that nothing the council does will interfere with the correct handling of that application.

The Adver reported how the reclusive businessman who runs the company which now owns the building, stated there were exciting plans in the pipeline for the Emlyn Square building.

Peter Lamplough, 51, runs Mountmead Limited for his 85-year-old mother, who owns the company.

He said there were exciting plans for the future of the building, but refused to say what they were.