Cll Graham Chapman: "Clear obligation"

"It's up to them to put it back into the state it used to be in.

"It's their clear obligation and it's a shame it has got to this stage," he said.

Officials said the grade two listed building was seriously deteriorating as a result of weather damage and vandalism.

Scottish & Newcastle has been asked to carry out urgent repair work and replace missing doors and fireplaces. Some structural repairs are also necessary.

Last month the company appealed against an enforcement order forcing it to carry out the repairs. It said the timescale was too short.

Standing empty

In a statement Scottish & Newcastle said the building was structurally sound.

The company said it had done its best to protect the empty property against vandalism, but added the council had turned down requests to use the property for offices or housing.

The 18th-Century hall has been empty for several years.

Next month a government planning inspector will decide if Scottish & Newcastle should comply with the council's order to carry out the repairs.