Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

It would have made a great car park.

Wiltshire Council’s bid to buy the derelict Peter Black site in Trowbridge has been rejected.

The former factory has been empty for years, with GVA Grimley, the agent acting for the site’s receivers, looking for a buyer.

Tim Martienssen, the council’s head of service delivery, economy and regeneration, said: 'Our offer was judged not to be big enough and they are now dealing with another offer, but will not tell us who that is from at this stage.'

The council do not want to reveal what they offered while another party is negotiating with GVA.

Over a year ago Trowbridge Area Board urged WC to bid for the site but it would seem that someone else has a deeper pocket.

If the new owner doesn't come up with an acceptable scheme in the near future, I will be pressing for WC to commence a compulsory purchase of the site.

It has been an eye sore for too long and needs to be developed sooner rather than later.