RESIDENTS in Old Town are desperate for work to start on an historic building to stop it from being targeted by vandals.

Windows have been smashed on the vacant Grade II listed site in Cricklade Street. As well as a hole in the roof there have been reports of frequent break ins.

The building, formerly used by solicitors Thring Towns-end, dates back to 1729.

And it was once described by the architectural historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as the finest house in Swindon.

It has been the centre of a planning wrangle since the law firm moved out in 2001.

Developer David Wilson Homes has now been given permission to transform it into 34 apartments but has yet to set a date for work to start.

Councillor Wendy Johnson (Lib Dem), who represents the area, wants prompt action taken before the building decays further.

She said: "This building's important in terms of Swindon's history.

"It's a crying shame that such a beautiful building has been left to decay.

"Clearly any building which is left empty is a target for vandals. Given the weather we've had the building can only continue to deteriorate. It's essential that something is done to this important part of Old Town."

Originally, developer Hannick Homes was given the nod to transform the building, which poet John Betjemen described as the finest townshouse in Wiltshire, into flats but later sold it.

Fears were raised that the plan was too intrusive but Coun Stan Pajak (Lib Dem), who lives nearby, said he wants to see work begin.

He said: "I would like to see the building preserved as soon as possible. It looks a mess."