Local councillor Roger Green asked what was happening to the buildings after years of neglect.

He raised the matter at Thursday's annual meeting of Fenland Council, saying: "Local residents and visitors alike are dismayed year-on-year having to look at the shored up semi-derelict buildings at 11 and 12 and 24 High Street which are like ugly warts on the face of our otherwise attractive Georgian market town."

Mr Green added last January it was suggested planners had agreed to allow a London developer to restore both shops and create four flats on the upper floors.

He pointed out in November it was said Fenland Council was in a position to put in place measures for restoration of 11 and 12.

But, six months on, the buildings look the same from the outside and it appears nothing has happened.

Mr Green said letters have been sent from the Town Council, Wisbech Regeneration group and Wisbech Society "all deploring the state of these three buildings".

Fenland Council portfolio holder Alan Melton gave Mr Green an update, explaining the council has tried several times to get the owner to make repairs. The owner did carry out emergency structural works to 11 and 12 to make the buildings safe.

The current situation is the owner has given assurances that he has loans approved and a contractor appointed ready for work to start. In the meantime, Mr Melton said the council is preparing a "back-up plan" which could result in compulsory purchase.

A report is due to be presented to Fenland's Cabinet next month looking at compulsory purchase – but this involves finding a third party to enter into an agreement with the council to implement the repairs if it is successful.

Mr Melton said the council is looking to find a third party but, in the current economic climate, it is not going to be a "quick or easy process". With regard to 24 High Street, Mr Melton said the most recent application was for six two-bed flats and a one-bed flat.

He said this site and the Belfast Linen building at Nene Quay were acquired by a Mr Constantine and work has started on the Belfast building but not on 24 High Street.

He said Building Control are concerned about the state of number 24 and have instructed a dangerous building/structure notice to be served.

"However, a permanent solution is no nearer. Over the last 20 years, none of the owners of the gap site have been able to implement a redevelopment which is financially viable," said Mr Melton.

After hearing from Mr Melton, Mr Green told the Citizen he was still "a bit disappointed" although he understood the difficulties facing the district council.

However, he said it is a shame something can't be done to at least restore the facades of the buildings.

n Shock at lack of conservation cash – see Page 7.