Tendring District Council's Cabinet has called for urgent investigations into what action can be taken to save Thorpe's historic maltings.

Members of the Cabinet visited the site yesterday (June 25) to see the Grade II listed building for themselves.

They were concerned about the current state of decay and want to look into what options are available to the Council in an attempt to save the structure.

Portfolio Holders met with local Member Councillor Jose Powell at the Maltings in Station Road, Thorpe, to discuss the situation.

Sarah Candy, Cabinet Member for Planning at TDC, said that the Cabinet was seriously worried about the future of the site.

"We have asked for a report to be put before Cabinet on the current position regarding these maltings which must be saved," she said.

"We want to look at all the various options that could be open to the Council to see if we can generate interest and funds to carry out a scheme before it is too late."

Cllr Candy said that other similar structures within the District had been rescued - such as Mistley Maltings - and she could not see why an acceptable initiative could not be found for Thorpe.

"Where there is a will there is a way and we just have to find it," she added.

The maltings are owned by Rosegrade Developers and were recently added to English Heritage's new "Conservation Areas At Risk" register.

Consultants are currently considering listed development proposals for the site and will be reporting back to TDC.

Councillor Powell said that she welcomed the interest of the Council's Cabinet and thanked them for making a visit to what is left of the structure.

"We are desperate to see something happen to the maltings sooner rather than later, and before it is all collapses," she said.

26/6/09