ACTION is likely to be taken to try and save a listed Newport building at "grave risk through neglect and decay".

And the former Lawns Club in Kensington Grove, Maindee, could be compulsorily purchased if "reasonable steps" to preserve it are not taken within eight weeks.

Last year, the city council refused permission for the demolition of the former Lawns Club in Kensington Grove, Maindee.

An appeal against that decision to the Assembly was dismissed by an independent planning inspector.

Part of the historic building collapsed during a fire in 2003 and since then it has continued to deteriorate.

Residents living nearby and ward councillors called for the "eyesore" to be restored to its former glory.

A report to next week's planning committee says the grade-ll listed building was at extreme risk due to neglect and decay.

The council issued a programme of repairs to the owners last August but only some initial work, mainly the removal of fire damaged material, had been undertaken.

Now the planning committee are being asked to authorise the issuing of a repairs notice requiring the owners to restore the building to the condition at the time of listing.

"It is hoped that the serving of this notice will encourage the owners of 11, Kensington Grove to undertake the necessary repairs to safeguard the building's future," said Stewart Wilde, head of planning and economic regeneration, in the report.

However, he added, if this did not happen they would seek to proceed with a CPO.

The former Lawns Club was listed in 1997 "as a good example of an Italianate villa".

Permission was given to convert the building into flats as well as for two new houses in the grounds but these were found to be in the wrong position and demolished.