THE owners of Mount Crushmore in Trowbridge have gone into receivership.

West Wiltshire District Council broke the news that Thiyan Investment Ltd, owners of St Stephen's Place and Castle Place in Trowbridge, has entered into administration proceedings.

The district council gave Thiyan planning permission to transform the site into shops, a restaurant, bar and gym but the plans have never been taken forward.

Thiyan's agent, Frank Mountain, has been promising to develop the site since the company purchased it several years ago.

A few months ago the district council backed a compulsory purchase order plan to push forward development.

Leader of the council Cllr Graham Payne, said: "We have become increasingly frustrated at the lack of plans put forward by Thyian outlining how they intend to develop this site.

"This is despite our best efforts to get them to bring forward a scheme.

"We have recently agreed to proceed with a compulsory purchase order on these sites. This is not a move that we took lightly, although we felt it was the only way to push things on. We will now be looking for another developer with the real intentions of getting development on site as soon as possible."

Ian Gallin, acting chief executive, confirmed that the council has secured an early meeting with the agent acting on the receivership.

He said: "We will be looking to work constructively and positively with them to ensure potential new owners are able to bring forward effective proposals for the regeneration of this site that will be of benefit to Trowbridge."

Councillor Michael Mounde, the district council's economic development and planning portfolio holder, said: "I am hopeful this news will allow us to proceed firstly with removing the eyesore that has blighted the town for too long, and bring in new owners who will look to get actively involved in the regeneration process.

"This is another step in making Trowbridge the attractive county town the people of Wiltshire deserve."

Thiyan refused to comment when the Wiltshire Times contacted its office.