BOWOOD House owner Lord Lansdowne believes the derelict Devizes Assize Court building can be saved and restored to its former glory.

Lord Lansdowne and other leading members of the Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust were horrified by the suggestion put forward last week by town councillor Ted East that the building should be demolished.

Lord Lansdowne and fellow trust members George McDonic and Sir Hayden Phillips say they are now optimistic work will start on the building by the end of the year.

Gatewell, the Bahamas based owners of the Grade II listed building, have planning permission to convert it into 18 flats and a community space but this will soon expire.

Mr McDonic said: "The existing planning approval is about to run out but we have had information that makes us confident that something is about to happen and there will be significant progress by the end of the year."

In a letter to the Gazette, the three men said: "The Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust was disappointed to read

the suggestion that the time had come for the Devizes Assize Court to be demolished.

"We consider this building to be outstanding and of significance and merit to both the town and the county. Despite its present condition, we believe that it can be restored to its former glory for alternative use. The objective of the Trust is to save the building."

But others remain sceptical that after more than 20 years of decay the building is about to see significant change. In November hopes were raised when remedial work was carried out on the orders of Wiltshire Council after it agreed measures with owners Gatewell after an Urgent Works Notice was issued.

Vermin and waste were removed and temporary roof repairs carried out but since then there has been no further signs of action.

Trust for Devizes member Tony Duck said: "I think it would be heresy for the building to be demolished. I would prefer for at least the facade to be retained but we are getting to the stage where something has to be done. I am not optimistic for a quick solution after all of these years. There were missed opportunities right at the beginning."

Urban Spectrum who are agents for Gatewell this week declined to comment.

Quote from Wiltshire Council to come.