Members of Camborne Town Council's heritage committee have met Mr Bows, the owner of the old Camborne fire station, to discuss plans for the use of the historic building.

The committee, led by its chairman, Jean Charman, were given a guided tour of the building by Mr Bows and his daughter, Nichola.

The committee, supported by Mr Bows, are looking for ways to bring the building back into the public domain.

Following the visit, Jean Charman expressed her enthusiasm for both the old fire station built in 1909 and the original council offices built in 1903.

"These impressive buildings need not only to be preserved but put into public use," she said. "We need to view them as a potentially vibrant community facility that warrants further investigation at the very least.

"During the visit, a number of suggestions were explored indicating that there are a number of opportunities that this building has to offer. There are ways of securing funding for various projects and these are options that the committee will be looking into. At present we are engaged with informal talks with the owner who is very supportive.

"Camborne has no heritage or tourist information centre and this building certainly has the potential to be used for such purposes.

"The large front doors would allow large exhibits such as Trevithick's engine to be stored and displayed there.

"However, the future of the building does not end there. With the upstairs section there exists the opportunity to put on cultural exhibitions and have a platform for local artists.

"The stage gives us the potential opportunity not only to have people from the performing arts but also choirs and bands. As such, it could be a springboard for local talent. At present Camborne has no such facility."

Coun Charman said she intended to organise an open day in early December so that members of the public could have the chance to put forward any suggestions they may have for the building.