DISCUSSIONS between Wiltshire Council and potential buyers for Trowbridge’s derelict Peter Black site are progressing.

Wiltshire Councillors have been told that negotiations with prospective owners and GVA Grim-ley, the agent acting for receivers of the site, off County Way, have begun.

Tim Martienssen, Wilt-shire Council’s head of economy and regeneration service delivery, said: “It has been problematic in the past because the people who owned the site went into receivership, as did the bank overseeing it, but we’re getting there.”

During last Thursday’s Trowbridge Area Board meeting, councillors discussed the future of the site, with many keen to see it demolished and turned into a car park to complement the new St Stephen’s Place cinema development, opening this autumn.

Wiltshire Councillor Graham Payne, area board chairman, said: “Demolition has always been the preferred option, but I’m not sure the prospective new owners are supportive of that.”

GVA Grimley has a July 4 deadline, under a section 215 untidy notice issued by Wiltshire Coun- cil, to clear up the site.

An update on the master plan for Trowbridge was also given by Mr Martienssen during the area board meeting.

The plan aims to improve transport, access and retail in the town and a public consultation is expected to run in September.