Wiltshire Council’s bid to buy the derelict Peter Black site in Trowbridge has been rejected.

The former factory has been empty for years, with GVA Grimley, the agent acting for the site’s receivers, looking for a buyer.

Tim Martienssen, the council’s head of service delivery, economy and regeneration, said: “Our offer was judged not to be big enough and they are now dealing with another offer, but will not tell us who that is from at this stage.”

The council do not want to reveal what they offered while another party is negotiating with GVA.

Wiltshire and Trowbridge town councillor Graham Payne is angry that the former toiletries factory still stands derelict.

Cllr Payne, Trowbridge Area Board chairman, said: “Every time we walk past Peter Black it looks sadder and sadder. It represents a disservice to this town when you consider it overlooks the new cinema development.”