ONE of Wiltshire's top civic chief's has suggested the council may purchase Sergei Skripal's Salisbury home, in a bid to stop it being used as a tourist destination.

Executive director for the authority, Alistair Cunningham, confirmed that neighbours of the Christie Miller Road property were growing worried that the former spy's house could be sold privately and turned into attraction, such as an Airbnb.

Salisbury Journal:

This comes as the house, reportedly valued at around £334,000, was recently returned to the ownership of Mr Skripal, more than a year he and his daughter Yulia were poisoned by Novichok in the city.

READ MORE: Roof work on Skripal home in Salisbury finishes

However, despite this, reports suggest that he is unlikely to return, which has sparked worry as to what is next for the home.

Salisbury Journal:

Mr Cunningham said: “Neighbours are concerned as to what might happen to the property if it were sold.

"The council has committed to ensuring that the property is not used to trade on its history, and has confirmed to the residents of Christie Miller Road that it will monitor what happens to the property and is prepared to purchase it should the owner wish to sell.”

Salisbury Journal:

As reported in the Daily Mail, he added: "If it is purchased the council would ensure the property is continued to be used for residential purposes. We are in discussions with representatives at Whitehall."