Goldiggers developers Tribecka Land Ltd have given a strict timetable in a bid to stop the years of delay and ultimate failure of the earlier bidders, E&J.

The former cinema and nightclub is owned by North Wiltshire District Council and at an executive committee meeting last week members heard that dates had been set for each stage of the deal.

Contracts should be exchanged by February 20; a planning application submitted by February 28 and the deal completed by August 20.

Coun Philip Allnatt said after the meeting: "We have got to be very clear about it. If we fail on the timetable the district council must listen to reason and revert to a community project for the site."

Even with the deadlines, the redevelopment of the Timber Street site is not likely to be completed until 2005.

Tribecka Land Ltd, based in Olney, Buckinghamshire, created the Chicago Rock Caf in Trowbridge.

The company plan to build shops and food outlets on the ground floor with flats above.