AN initial package of remedial work has been agreed for the Locarno and repair work on the building could start by the end of the month.

Owner Gael Mackenzie and Swindon Council the authority responsible for public safety in the immediate area surrounding the building have agreed the measures, which include removing loose masonry and stone-work from the top of the Victorian structure and securing the building with timber boards.

Contractors are still waiting for a licence to allow scaffolding to be put up on Old Town High Street. Once the council's safety and environmental engineers are satisfied that the building presents no further risk to public safety the road and footpath at the rear of the building leading to the Planks will be reopened.

Last month a mysterious fire, which is still being investigated by officers, devastated the Old Town landmark.

About 50 firefighters tackled the blaze, which started on the afternoon of Sunday, May 18, and completely destroyed the roof and interiors of the old Locarno and Town Hall buildings.

It had been feared the protected building would have to be pulled down, but a preliminary survey decreed the building safe.

The two burned out buildings are intended to form the heart of an ambitious regeneration scheme, which would see the creation of a bar in the former ballroom, a restaurant in the old Town Hall building and an Italian-style piazza in Market Square car park.

Swindon Council spokesman, Gavin Calthrop, said: "Mr Mackenzie has been extremely co-operative throughout, but these things take time."

Mr Mackenzie was last night unavailable for comment.