Dorchester's joint markets panel will spend £10,000 re-painting and securing the Linneys at the town's market site.

The two rows of former animal pens, each about 100m long, are frequently the hang out for teenager and have recently suffered graffiti and vandalism.

Panel members voted to spend the money having the walls repainted, including a top coat of special paint to stop graffiti.

The work may also include securing some of the units with additional fencing and removing guttering which is said to be no longer serving any purpose.

The Linneys future has long been the subject of debate. Few are now used by market traders although many have suggested they could be brought back into use – the ideas ranging from lockable storage units to being used by craftsmen and women, artists or specialist food providers.

Market operator John George has suggested they could form part of a Victorian or Thomas Hardy themed market, run in parallel with the Wednesday stall market, or as lockable units.

Councillors were told opinion was divided about whether to find a new use for the north and south Linneys, or to knock them down, although one block partially offers support for properties in Great Western Road, to the rear of the market site.

Panel member Cllr Roland Tarr said they were part of the character of the area and ought to be retained: "We should spend the money and get them sorted," he said.

Dorchester Cllr Stella Jones suggested they could be used for local charities, without having to pay a fee.