Warwickshire County Council turned down a Freedom of Information Act request by the Courier asking what is in store for its historic Shire Hall building, which is set for a major redevelopment.

And at a town council meeting on Wednesday night the press were excluded when the local authority held it was to present information which was "commercially sensitive". But councillors did pass a resolution urging planners to take on board the views of residents, traders and community groups.

Town councillor John Holland (Lab, Warwick West) said: "What we agreed could be put in the public domain was a resolution to the effect that the town council recommend to the county council that they actually ask Warwick residents for ideas about the future of Shire Hall.

"That should be used as their starting point, rather than using proposals from county officers."

The upheaval also includes the Warwick Crown Court building in Northgate Street being moved to Leamington's justice centre.

The county council's education department has already been moved to the multi-million Saltisford Office Park site - where around 350 employees will eventually be relocated.

But it is not know if it will eventually replace Shire Hall altogether.

Coun Holland said: "I think there are quite a number of possibilities.

"What we need to do is work out what the town centre needs and then build on that.

"The first thing that's important to remember is the thing that defines Warwick from every other town in the county.

"It's the county town and clearly where the HQ of the county council should be.

"Among the other considerations is the future of the court building, which is an extremely important historic building.

"Obviously residents would like to see that the building has a secure future.

"But I'm sure that there are many other things that need to happen to have a prosperous and vibrant town centre."

Fellow town councillor Michael Kinson (Con, Warwick West) said: "I don't think anybody knows what could happen to these buildings and what could be done.

"They are going to have to bring consultants in, which will cost vast sums of money.

"I think it is a fair request to ask the county council to consult residents and groups like the Warwick Society."

In response to the Freedom of Information Act request county council head of property Steve Smith said some consultation had taken place with members, with work being taken to find "viable options".

But he wrote in a statement: "Until this work is done, the county council cannot agree on any viable options nor agree for public consultation to take place.

"The county council is very aware of its presence in Warwick and the impact it has on town centre businesses.

"If any firm proposals are put forward, a full public consultation will take place."