A war of words broke out at a Norfolk council meeting amid frustrations over the different responses to two derelict buildings in opposing towns.

At a meeting this week, North Norfolk District Council agreed to issue a compulsory purchase order to take control of the former Shannocks Hotel site in Sheringham after a 14-year saga that led to a promised development not coming to fruition.

But Fakenham councillors voiced their annoyance that the same decision had not been made to tackle an 'eyesore' property in their town.

Eastern Daily Press: Liz Vickers, North Norfolk District Councillor for Fakenham Lancaster SouthLiz Vickers, North Norfolk District Councillor for Fakenham Lancaster South (Image: NNDC)

It is the latest row at the Liberal Democrat-controlled administration, amid fears the towns of Fakenham and Stalham - both predominantly represented by Tory councillors - are being overlooked in favour of Sheringham, Cromer and Holt.

Liz Vickers, a Conservative councillor representing the Fakenham area, urged officers to "think again" about 9 Norwich Street, which locals say is "killing the high street" due to it being left derelict for several years.

Eastern Daily Press: Scaffolding was put up outside 9 Norwich Street in Fakenham after cracks appeared in 2019Scaffolding was put up outside 9 Norwich Street in Fakenham after cracks appeared in 2019 (Image: Newsquest)

Leader Tim Adams was quick to shut down this discussion, highlighting that the focus of the meeting is the Shannocks Hotel in Sheringham.

Eastern Daily Press: Tim Adams, Leader of North Norfolk District CouncilTim Adams, Leader of North Norfolk District Council (Image: NNDC)

"I'm getting a bit concerned," he said and added it was "completely unacceptable" that in his view the issue was being used for political gain at the expense of the victims.

After which, Ms Vickers attacked Mr Adams for being "patronising and cynical", saying she had "every sympathy" with the victims and people living in Fakenham.

Eastern Daily Press: The former Shannocks Hotel site will be purchased by NNDC after a 14-year battle with the landownersThe former Shannocks Hotel site will be purchased by NNDC after a 14-year battle with the landowners (Image: Newsquest)

After the clash of words, Mr Adams further explained that the compulsory purchase order is a lengthy process and that the Sheringham situation - which has taken 14 years to resolve - was in a more advanced stage than Fakenham.

He added that he hoped the Sheringham CPO would show that the council is taking "serious action" on the issue of derelict buildings and that it will continue to explore the options available to bring the Fakenham site back into use.