The grade II-listed former art gallery and museum in Avenue Road has become the target of vandals with offensive graffiti covering the outer walls, windows broken and litter strewn around the grounds.

And its current state of disrepair has saddened Jane Kearey, whose father, John Scott, was once headmaster at Aylesford School, which used to be based at the old library in the late 1950s.

She said: “I have fond memories of it - but nobody seems to care for it any more. It’s a beautiful building full of architectural detail - but it’s become a terrible eyesore.

“When you have ‘f-off’ written on the side of a building like this, it’s a very sad state of affairs.”

Bill Thacker, 73, of Whitnash Road, said: “It used to be beautiful but look at the state of it now. It’s a lovely walk down here and it just spoils it.”

The Victorian building used to house the Leamington library and museum, as well as Warwickshire college’s art facilities.

The 34,822 sq ft site is divided into two parts - the old library and museum and art school - and was occupied by students until the end of the last academic year.

The library was moved to the Pump Room but other artistic and cultural groups have continued to use the site.

A proposal to develop a commercial offices, six town houses and a restaurant/bar has been put forward by Oakwood Estates.

Managing director Mike Jones said: “This is a real landmark building which is a great example of Victorian architecture and we are very excited about the project.”

Warwick District Council planning officer John Beaumont said: “The art gallery was relocated to the Pump Room - the use of the old library for other community uses was a temporary process.

“Clearly the council has to decide whether the alternative use is suitable for that building.”

l The proposals are due to be discussed by the district council planning committee on January 30 and February 19 at Leamington town hall.