HELENSBURGH'S iconic former municipal buildings have still not been sold - due to the condition of a single window.

The former Argyll and Bute Council office, on the corner of Sinclair Street and East Princes Street, is thought to have lain empty since 1996.

It has been the subject of a firm bid to open a Peckhams restaurant, which was previously predicted to open in May.

But a report for last Thursday's Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee meeting advised that one window's poor condition is causing delays to the sale.

Douglas Hendry, the council's director of customer services, said: "The property is currently under offer with Peckhams Investments Limited.

"Previous sale completion dates have fallen through due to specific condition issues relating to the building.

"One of the bay windows facing Sinclair Street has been inspected by structural engineers and as a precautionary measure propping has been installed.

"The sale has not been able to progress until the window is repaired.

"The council’s structural engineers, contractors and stone masons are currently on site completing the repair which is programmed to take eight weeks.

"Pedestrian movements across the pavement have been diverted into the parking bays to reduce the obstruction on the footway caused by the scaffolding.

"This is a temporary measure for the duration of the repair works."

The Advertiser reported last December that it was hoped to open the restaurant in May. Back then, all that stood in the way of completion of the sale was a specialist fire safety report.

The proposed development was given planning permission by the council in November 2016. It is still forecast that the sale of the site will conclude successfully.

Mr Hendry's report added: "The council’s solicitors are at a progressed stage of conveyancing and have been instructed to conclude the missives of sale at the earliest opportunity.

"(This is) with the intention that the transaction will settle on the date occurring seven days after the notification of completion of the structural repair work to the bay window to the satisfaction of the council’s appointed structural engineer.

"Peckhams have stated that they remain committed to delivery of this project and continue to invest heavily in design and preparation works ready for the completion date.

"Arrangements to commence the refurbishment and installation have been stalled due to this structural issue but remain on standby."