Town councillors voted unanimously to allow essential work at a “landmark” Bicester building.

Last week a report revealed the critical state of Garth House, the home of Bicester Town Council, and urged councillors not to do nothing.

At an extraordinary meeting of the council’s policy committee last Thursday, town councillors agreed to re-roof the building. Work is expected to be complete by mid to late 2014.

The meeting was told the top floor was littered with tarpaulins and buckets to stop water leaking through to lower floors.

Officers will now investigate how the work, which could cost about £230,000, could be funded.

But it is likely there will have to be an increase in the town council precept, the meeting was told.

Chief officer Sue Mackrell said: “The building is still deteriorating and gets a little worse each season.

“I have offered to take councillors to see the top floor, all you can see is tarpaulins and buckets.

“Water penetration is more and more prevalent, and more frequently comes through the ceiling.

A business continuity plan will also be put in place setting out how the council would manage services if Garth House became unusable.

Officers were also asked to come up with a list of possible uses for Garth House, and a base for a town museum was mooted.