An Abingdon eyesore -- the derelict Regal cinema in the High Street -- could be demolished within months as work on the long-awaited redevelopment begins.

Revised plans for the west central area redevelopment zone are to go before planners next month, followed by consultations with residents.

It is hoped that demolition work will start in the spring or early summer -- nearly 18 years after the last film was screened.

The chairman of the Vale of White Horse District Council's development control committee, John Woodford, said: "I am hoping that at long last a start can be made on the project later this year."

Plans for the £10m project, involving houses, flats, offices and a residential centre for young people -- the Foyer -- were unveiled nearly four years ago, but became bogged down by a series of objections.

The biggest stumbling block has been the Foyer, a £1.5m building to house 12 young job-seekers run by the charitable housing trust the Guinness Trust. The Foyer will give help and accommodation to young people seeking work.

The original plan was to locate the building in West St Helen Street on the site of the old electricity board showroom, but this triggered protests, including a petition from people living near by who said the Foyer could attract trouble and was unsuitable for the road. As a result, councillors turned down the application.

The project was sent back to the developers with a recommendation that the Foyer should be relocated in the High Street.

Developers Lovells have returned with revised plans. The Foyer will go on the old cinema site and offices built on the West St Helen site. The whole scheme involves 33 houses, 23 flats, offices and a shop.

Hopes for a town cinemas will now focus on the Old Gaol leisure centre which closes at the end of March when the new £10m sports and leisure centre in Audlett Drive opens.

A firm of consultants is currently look at alternative uses for the Old Gaol which could become an arts centre including a cinema.

The library service and Abingdon museum is also keen to move there.

Another step in the redevelopment of the inner area is the site of the old Morland brewery where 130 luxury homes and apartments are being built. More than 20 people have moved in and more are expected next month.

The whole development will take another 18 months to complete.