A former ice cream parlour that has become a Maryport eyesore is being bought by Allerdale council.

A spokeswoman confirmed the council is in “advanced” negotiations for the Senhouse Street building, which was once owned by the Ogni family.

In recent years the building has become derelict and considered a blight on the town’s shopping centre.

The Allerdale spokeswoman said the council was serious about taking action on empty and derelict properties, which is why its housing and health department were negotiating to buy Ogni’s building which is next to the Carlton Cinema.

She said the council received numerous complaints about the building “and strong efforts have been made to get its owners to improve it and bring it back into use.

“Earlier this year, the council discovered the company, which owned the property, had dissolved and the building had been passed to the Crown Estate.”

She said as no legal notices can be issued against the Crown to improve the property, the council decided to buy it.

She added: “This will solve the problem which has blighted those living and working in the area for so many years.”

She said it was hoped the sale would go through soon.

She added: “Once the council is in ownership, the immediate public health issues will be addressed and decisions taken to establish the best course of action for the building’s future,”

She said enhancing towns was one of the priority areas within the council plan 2015-2019.

She said: “A key part of this is bringing empty properties back into use – particularly those that are causing significant issues for communities.”

Meanwhile, scaffolding has been erected around the Carlton building next door.

Local businessman, George Kemp, bought the Carlton and sold it on to a Manchester buyer.

Mr Kemp said he did not know the owner and had no idea what was happening in the building.