A LEGAL notice ordering the owners of Weymouth's crumbling Brewers Quay to carry out urgent maintenance works within the next year has been issued - in moves which campaigners say is 'too little, too late'.

The iconic Victorian brewery site, in Hope Square, is earmarked for transformation into luxury housing.

But its redevelopment has been thrown into doubt after the company behind the scheme - Versant - collapsed into receivership on February 22.

According to papers filed with Companies House, receiver RSM Restructuring Advisory was appointed on the same date.

READ MORE: Brewer's Quay up for sale as developer falls into receivership

Dorset Council confirmed it has now issued the notice forcing the owners or receivers to carry out vital repair work on the building within the next 12 months.

A spokesman for Dorset Council said: "Regarding concerns about the ongoing maintenance of the building, Dorset Council has been in communication with the owner of the Brewers Quay building over the past 18 months.

"The owner was given time to gain planning approvals because much of the required works to improve the building were included in the planning application. While these applications were approved the owner did not start the works.

"Because of this, Dorset Council has served a legal notice (a 215 Notice) to force the owners/receivers to maintain the building and make general repairs for improvement. The owner has the right of appeal, and the compliance period is 12 months to carry out the works within the notice."

Following the collapse of Versant, two 'Save Brewers Quay' community groups were launched, with the shared objective of raising funds and rallying public support to retain the landmark for the future.

READ MORE: Campaigners rally to save Brewers Quay from rotting away

Organiser Paul Sherry is pleased some progress has been made but thinks the council needs to do more to protect the historic building. He said: "It is a good thing that the council have issued this legal notice as any action being taken is good, however, I think this if far too little, far too late.

"If the notice had been issued two years ago then the building would not have got into such a bad state and wouldn't take as much to repair it. The council issuing the notice now is like shutting the stable door once the horse has already bolted.

"We would like the council to take ownership and secure the building for the town. Even if they don't do any work to it right away, they could secure the building now and turn it into a community asset at a later date."