Carlisle City Council says it can't afford to demolish or renovate the derelict Central Plaza Hotel.

Council leader Colin Glover said demolition is a "last resort" for the landmark hotel on Victoria Viaduct which is in a bad state of disrepair.

Seven tonnes of loose masonry are at risk of falling from the hotel, which promoted the closure of the road and footpaths outside the city centre Victorian landmark this week.

Mr Glover said: "We are close to the point of no return as the hotel continues to deteriorate.

"If no one will take it on then demolition will be the only option. That would be expensive and very complex.

"The council does not have the financial resources to renovate or demolish the building. That would have to come from someone else."

Mr Glover said several developers have looked at the hotel but some have said the project was "too big" for them.

"It need someone with a serious plan and capital," he said.

"Unless we can pass the property to a new owner we need someone else to step up and help the council.

"We have no powers in terms of ownership, disposal or demolition.

"The government needs to step in and help us with this current situation - if only with costs to make the building safe."

The closure of the road and footpaths is having a significant impact on businesses in the area.

Many have been forced to close for safety reasons.

Mr Glover said: "This is causing massive disruption. We've got shops not able to trade and people and cars not able to move around.

"Our main priority is to keep people safe."