Getting tough on run-down buildings
20 August
2008
We've begun knocking down a dangerous and dilapidated building
on Milnrow Road, Rochdale this week - after the owner failed to
repair it.
We recently sought a court order for permission to demolish the
building, which is close to the junction with Oldham Road.
Demolition of the former chip shop, damaged by a fire in 2005, is
expected to take a couple of weeks.
The work is part of a wider project to identify and take action
against empty and run-down buildings across the borough.
Councillor Wera Hobhouse, cabinet member for environment and
sustainability, said “We have looked in detail at the complex issue
of empty and dilapidated buildings in the borough and we are
putting together a new strategy to address the issues.
“We want to get the message to building owners that we are
committed to the regeneration of the borough and we won’t allow
unsightly and dangerous buildings to blight the area.”
Councillor Hobhouse added: “In cases where the owners of
buildings will not take responsibility, we can step in and then
recover the cost from them through legal proceedings. Our staff are
working hard to target these types of building and we will start to
see the benefit as we conclude our work - either with or without
owners’ co-operation.”