Brighton's long-standing seafront eyesore Embassy Court can be saved but only if landlords stop squabbling, a judge has ruled.

Former landlords of the dilapidated art deco building have been blamed for letting it fall into disrepair by dragging petty legal claims through the courts.

We revealed last month how Judge Michael Kennedy gave the go-ahead to tenants' group Bluestorm to carry out the essential repairs needed.

The Argus has obtained a copy of his newly-published report, containing scathing criticisms of former freeholders Portvale Holdings who have spent years blocking Bluestorm's efforts.

His decision clears the way for Bluestorm to start looking for the estimated £4-£5 million needed to refurbish the building.

He also ordered Portvale Holdings, which owns nine of the 72 flats, to hand over £78,000 to start the process.

The judge's report states: "It is a disgrace to see a building that should be a reasonable source of income to its owners as well as a provider of reasonable, peaceful and secure homes to its occupiers, become first neglected by the former.

"Then, when the latter obtain judgment to have matters put right, to have that judgement thwarted by behaviour frankly more suited to a nursery school playground than to the conduct of responsible landlords."

The rot started in the Seventies when many flats were taken over by absentee leaseholders and a succession of freeholders.

Leaseholders who built up large rent and service charge arrears were blamed for the lack of money to maintain the building.

David Marcel's Portvale company owned the freehold until 1997, when the firm went into liquidation after being ordered by a court to carry out repairs worth £1.5 million.

After a court battle, the freehold was taken over by the residents' association which formed Bluestorm and issued a writ asking Portvale Holdings to pay its service charges.

Portvale Holdings applied for a counter-claim for damages against Bluestorm for failing to carry out repairs.

A similar counter-claim was made against Bluestorm by Portvale Holdings' solicitor Chris Camillin, who owns 15 flats.

Mr Kennedy threw out both claims at Brighton County Court last month.

Hilary Imbimbo, Embassy Court resident and chair of Bluestorm, said: "We have to find between £4 million and £5 million for our plans, spread over the next four or five years. But it is a relief to reach this point."