A BID to force the owners of Bournemouth's Throop Mill to carry out essential repairs could cost the council a fortune, it is feared.

Owner Heygates Ltd is taking legal action to challenge the enforcement notice served on it by Bournemouth council.

And at an initial hearing, representatives for Heygates estimated it would take them three days to present their case and expert witnesses.

This stance has alarmed Throop and Muscliff councillor Ron Whittaker, who believes the cost of the lengthy court case will far exceed the cost of improving the mill.

He said: "This whole scenario really is beyond any reasonable comprehension.

"They (Heygates) now want to spend unknown sums of money in fighting this appeal where surely the priority has to be to undertake the essential repair works which will only benefit and prolong the life of this lovely historic building."

He said the council had spent 15 months expressing concerns about the deteriorating condition of the sack loft dormer, cracks in the brickwork, damage to glazing in the windows, slipped and missing slates and tiles and missing or damaged rain water guttering and downpipes.

He is now calling for an urgent meeting between both sides to try and halt the court action.

Nigel Billett, principal appeals and enforcement officer within Bournemouth council's planning and transport team, commented: "Our legal team are currently in discussions with the owner's legal team to try and come to a compromise."

The Daily Echo contacted Heygates but was told there was no-one there who could help.

The case has been adjourned to Monday April 7 at Bournemouth Magistrates Court.