A PIECE of history will have to wait a little longer before its future is known after an objection was lodged against a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) made by Richmond upon Thames Council. J H Broad Ltd, a listed 18th century printer's shop in King Street, Richmond, has lain empty and derelict for years.

But in July it was given new hope as the council bid to take over the shop, in partnership with the Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames, and restore it.

Six months before the CPO a notice was served on the owner of the building demanding urgent repairs. When work was not completed, the CPO was issued. But the order can no longer proceed as the owners of the building have lodged a formal objection. Paul Chamberlain, acting chairman of the Environment Trust, said: "Our position is that the building has been empty for more than ten years and we have been fighting to have it saved. As far as we are concerned, the developer has no excuse for not having done something to the building." Some work has been carried out on the building although Mr Chamberlain believes this is the minimal amount required.

"By painting the front white I believe they are attempting to down grade the property."