The emergency works bill for the steeple has increased

Initial indications had put the price of making the Midsteeple safe at an estimated maximum of �100,000.

A report to go before Dumfries and Galloway councillors now says the final bill could be �230,000 in total.

The area around the spire had to be sealed off in September last year due to fears for public safety as emergency work was carried out on the tower.

Urban strategy

"The cost of the emergency works reported in September 2005, when the corroded steel beam had been revealed by the removal of the clock face, had been estimated at up to �100,000," said a report by project audit service leader Donald Millar.

Following the emergency closure of the High Street, removal of the spire and various other works the cost has risen to �215,000 plus professional fees.

Dumfries people were recently asked for their thoughts on future use of the building when a new urban design strategy went on show.

The complete repairs bill of the building has been estimated at �1.6m including the emergency work.