Essential repairs to a derelict Carlisle hotel have been given the go-ahead - but council bosses have expressed their frustration at having to foot the bill.

Members of the city council's executive met yesterday to discuss the work that has already been undertaken - and further work needed - to ensure that the former Central Plaza Hotel on Victoria Viaduct does not pose a risk to public safety.

The authority has already spent more than £40,000 to provide improved scaffolding that allows safe access to the roof of the building, but a report published earlier said that further work was necessary - including the demolition of several chimneys - at a cost of £120,000.

Although the executive agreed that the work must be undertaken, concerns were raised as to why it should be paid for by the council.

Work to restore the building as a hotel had been started by Golden Fern Properties Limited in 2008, but it was halted a year later.

In September 2011 an urgent works notice was serviced on Golden Fern, stating it must attend to the roof to stop water ingress and preserve the listed building.

However the firm, which dissolved in 2012, defaulted and the work was paid for by the council at a cost of £80,000.

As the Derbyshire Building Society did not repossess the property when the owner defaultedo n their mortgage, the property was left in escheat and was passed back to the Crown Estate.

However, the Crown will not manage, insure repair or look after a building that is in escheat - a common law doctrine that passes ownership to the Crown to ensures that it is not left without recognised ownership.

Heather Bradley, the council's economy, enterprise and housing portfolio holder, said: "I personally feel resentment that we, as an authority, have had to undertake work to a building that we do not own. The council tax payers are being forced to fund this work.

"As an authority it's our responsibility to look after the safety aspect of the building, but as a comparatively small district council we have to find the funds - which we have little chance of recouping."

Council leader Colin Glover said he "shared the frustration" shown by his fellow Currock councillor.

"The property belongs to the crown but it will take no responsibility in making the property safe," he said.

"But it's something we have to do for the safety of the people who live, walk and work in the area."