Coun Ossy Snell made the suggestion at a council meeting to discuss the future of Hussey Tower, the 15th century remains of a large manor house, near Boston College's Rochford Campus.

Councillors debated whether to spend £5,000 on carrying out a feasibility study to explore the ancient structure's educational and tourist potential.

Every year, the council spends £1,120 repairing the building, £1,680 removing graffiti, and £370 mopping up pigeon droppings from its interior.

Speaking after Lincolnshire heritage staff took delegates on a tour of the tower, the Mayor said: "I was told as mayor that I wasn't meant to say these sorts of things but I am talking as Ossy Snell, for the people I represent. In this place there is absolutely nothing. If we put a roof on it, it wouldn't be as it was. If we put floors on it then it wouldn't be as it was."

He went on to say restoration would diminish its educational value and demolition of the grade one listed building should be considered.

Labour councillors Paul Kenny and Andrew Bakewell questioned spending such money whilst the Borough Council's finances were under unprecedented scrutiny.

Coun Peter Bedford disagreed and said: "I think we have an urgent obligation to the future generations of Boston to look after buildings like this."

Councillors voted 6-5 in favour of carrying out the feasibility study.