Coun Martin Williams, leader of Thorne Town Council and Doncaster councillor for Thorne, claims the authority is stopping the town from moving forwards and has held top-level talks with senior council officers.

At present, both the grade two listed Thorne Hall and the former Thorne Library building are left unoccupied, while the former Doncaster College building at Fieldside remains empty too.

Thorne Hall is now partially boarded up.

Mr Williams is also concerned nothing has been sorted out for prominent buildings near the town's market - the former Hirst Iron mongers and the old market chip shop - but he understood progress could be made soon.

Plans to redevelop both did not materialise when they were turned down for planning permission because of the major work which would have been carried out side what are listed buildings.

The scheme would have seen the Market Place building rebuilt but the facade remaining as it is.

Mr Williams said: "I am sick of so many buildings being left empty, and I'm not going to put up with it any longer.

"It doesn't help when Doncaster Council has allowed its own buildings to lie empty. We are having to put up with derelict buildings when we are wanting to see the regeneration of Thorne.

"If the council does not do its buildings up or make an effort to bring them back into use, it is a bad example to everyone else. I want movement on these buildings by Christmas. I think they are dragging Thorne back and I'm sick of it. I will take my own action if nothing is done."

Deputy Mayor Coun Stuart Exelby said as Coun Williams was leader of Thorne Town Council he could understand his concerns over aspects of regeneration in Thorne.

He said: "It is important these issues are resolved and we are keeping Coun Williams fully informed."

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