NUMEROUS people have asked me about the Devizes Assize Court. They want to know just what has happened to the court and what clues it might give as to the possible fate of Trowbridge Town Hall.

Like Trowbridge Town Hall, a former magistrates' court, the assize court was owned by Wiltshire County Council. In the 1980s the county council sold the building to a commercial company. Over the last 20 years the building has been owned by several companies. None of them have found a use for the building. Gradually the building has become increasingly dilapidated through neglect and vandalism.

Last year the now boarded up, derelict, building, taken over by squatters, was seriously damaged by fire. Compulsory purchase of the assize court is now being considered and the local councils are planning to try and get the funding to undertake the massive task of repairing the building.

The chairman of the Devizes Development Partnership has stated publicly that it is not possible to "privately fund the complete refurbishment of the building" unless there is a public sector grant. "While it remains in private ownership there is no possibility of accessing any form of grant aid."

The cost of refurbishment of the Trowbridge Town Hall may be an issue now, but how much more expensive would it be in 20 years time when it could be derelict?

D Colcomb, Devizes