Entrepreneurs Pete Jones and David Poole have sent off a complaint to the local government ombudsman about North Wiltshire District Council's behaviour when they tried to take on the lease of the former Golddiggers nightclub .

Mr Jones, Mr Poole and a third partner set up Pizzazz Leisure and entered talks with the district council in March with a view to taking over the lease from struggling Gold Leisure Ltd, which ran the nightclub.

But on Monday the partners made a complaint to the ombudsman, claiming the district council acted improperly in not handing over the lease.

They claim the district council did not act in the best interests of the council tax payer, and estimated £100,000 had gone down the drain as a result.

"It's an absolute disgrace," said Mr Jones, who runs the Brewery Arms in Langley Burrell.

"The rent and rates is worth about £1,500 a week. Every day, every week it remains closed, Goldiggers costs the council tax payer."

The district council is currently planning to ask residents about the future of the Art Deco building in Timber Street, including the possible financial implications.

The suggestion the building might be demolished caused a storm of protest.

The wide ranging consultation process is likely to begin next week.