The council was due to start repairing an old library this week following repeated complaints from residents that it has been left to decay.

The former Ashburton library building in Lower Addiscombe Road, has stood empty for the past eight years despite a number of redevelopment ideas including making it into an artgallery and heritage centre.

The old library closed in 2006, after a new public library was incorporated into Ashburton Learning Village, but nothing has been done with the old building.

A home-made banner was recently attached to the railings at the front of the building, which said: 'Hey, there is a hole in the roof, who's going to fix it?'

Resident Joanne Storie, of nearby Tenterden Road, regularly visits the site and said fixing the roof should be a priority for the council.

The 29-year-old said: "I have contacted the council about several issues that concern me about the site. The hole in the roof is one concern, but there are a lot of repair issues.

"The council sent a surveyor round, but he just walked around the outside and didn't even realise there was a hole in the roof until we pointed it out.

"One counsellor said there was a works order on the building but whenever you go to the park, there is never any evidence of anything being done."

A council spokesman said: "The council's contractors are scheduled to be on site on September 19, to begin repairs to the roof and hoardings.

"The council takes extremely seriously the condition of its buildings and is in the process of considering the various options for an appropriate use of the old library.

"It is hoped the plans for the building will be confirmed by the end of the year."