A MANCHESTER city centre building left to decay for a decade is set for a new lease of life after a Manchester Evening News campaign.

Two months ago manchesteronline named and shamed former city Lord Mayor Sir Neil Westbrook as the owner of the dilapidated building on Princess Street.

We spelt out the council's frustration in getting the key site - directly opposite the town hall - redeveloped. Now, just weeks on, the site has been put on the market by Sir Neil.

Various developers have expressed interest in turning it into offices, luxury apartments or even a hotel.

Council leader Richard Leese, who backed the M.E.N. and whose office overlooks the site, said:

"I'm delighted to see the pressure brought to bear on the owner of the building has resulted in positive action."

Sir Neil, who became Lord Mayor in 1969 saying he would clear slums, denies he has neglected the properties. The 83-year-old director of Property Investments said: "I'm losing money while the buildings stand empty - it is nonsense to suggest I have left them like that deliberately."

He denied recent publicity had forced his hand. Peter Skelton, Sir Neil's agent, said a decision on the building was due by October.

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