Council chiefs shut the building, which opened in 1888, for two months at the beginning of September for refurbishment, including rewiring of the kitchen.

But yesterday councillors received a letter from assistant director Tim Challans stating work has not started.

The letter states work needs to be undertaken to improve the electrical circuits and other repairs are needed. The kitchen cannot be used for the preparation or even storage of food.

He says: “On the basis of the recent inspections I feel that I have no choice but to keep the town hall closed until the council has had the opportunity to consider whether or not the necessary remedial works can be funded and undertaken.”