COUNCILLORS have decided to press ahead with the process of buying an historic pub that was gutted in an arson attack.

The Swan Inn, a Grade II-listed building in North Warnborough, suffered extensive damage to its roof and interior in the fire in September, 2010.

Nobody has been brought to justice for the blaze at the building, which had been closed at the time.

Last Thursday, Hart District Council’s decision-making Cabinet agreed to go-ahead with the process of the compulsory purchase of the building.

The decision includes £50,000 being made available from council reserves for legal and procurement advice. This is on top of the £55,000 that the council has already spent on weatherproofing the building following the fire.

Councillor Ken Crookes, Cabinet member for finance and economic development, said part of the problem with the site is that it is still not clear who owns the building.

Cllr Crookes told The Gazette: “It is a listed building and we do not want to see a listed building falling into complete disrepair.

“So we want to protect the listed building in the same way that the owners has a duty to protect it.

“The compulsory purchase order may help us to find out who the owner is.”