Cash handed over for community use by Tesco 18 years ago following the opening of their first – and now demolished- store in Wisbech is finally to be spent.

The revelation that money from the 1996 application remained unspent was first raised earlier month by Councillor Virginia Bucknor.

She told a scrutiny committee: “I was staggered to learn recently when looking at the Section 106 from the new Tesco in Wisbech that there is still money leftover from the section 106 given for the old Tesco building in 1996.”

Now Fenland Council has confirmed that money remains – although the outstanding sum has been allocated.

“All the section 106 money from 1996 has been spent or allocated,” said a council spokesman.

“There was just over £19,000 outstanding (£19,289 to be precise), which was allocated to the Fenland Renaissance project with a remit for it to be used exclusively for the refurbishment of dilapidated buildings in Wisbech.

“The works funded in principle have now started at 21-25 Hill Street and numbers 9 and 10 South Brink.”

The Renaissance team at Fenland Council reported that seven grants had recently been made – including for “comprehensive window and façade refurbishment” to 9 South Brink.

“Grants were also approved for the external refurbishment of No’s 21-25 Hill Street,

Wisbech,” a report to council confirmed. “In this case, the grants will assist the owner in upgrading the condition of the buildings ready for new tenants”

The council runs various grant schemes which can cover up to half the costs of minor repairs or repainting of derelict or vacant buildings.