LEGAL action is likely to be taken to improve the condition of an unsightly building in Abergavenny's town centre.

In February 2010 a fire broke out at the Indian Takeaway restaurant in Cross Street destroying all but the facade and rear wall of the original structure, both of which are in a poor state of repair.

As the Chronicle went to Press councillors at a meeting of the Monmouthshire County Council's cabinet were asked to approve a scheme to take possession of the Grade II listed building and undertake to renovate it and bring it up to a standard that will make it useable.

A report to cabinets said that aside from the visual impact, the continuing deterioration of the property has resulted in significant water penetration within the adjoining properties - one of which is used as an NHS dental practice.

Members were informed that this was an issue for the authority on the grounds of public interest as the practice manager at the dentist has warned that he may be forced to close the business if the water penetration continues.

Since the fire, no work has been carried out on the building by its owners Nazia Chowdury, from Whitchurch in Cardiff and Abulace Torofdur of Handpost in Newport, despite a court order compelling the pair to undertake repairs.

Councillors were asked to agree to the use of direct action to take possession of the property in order to undertake the necessary repairs and for a capital budget of £30,000 to be established to allow contractors to carry out the work.

The councillors were told that this capital expenditure would be financed by recouping the monies at a later date from the owner or from a forced sale under the Law of Property 1925.

Monmouthshire's Conservation Manager, Simon Robertshaw said, "Given the prolonged period of inactivity and the apparent lack of inclination to sell by the current owners the potential ability to be able to force a change of ownership is beneficial."