Guy Opperman MP news: Campaigners receive update on Prudhoe Drill Hall
Local MP, Guy Opperman has been received an update from Northumberland County Council with regards to the Prudhoe Drill Hall site.
Mr Opperman received the following actions from Northumberland County Council today:
- Northumberland County Council will today (21st July), due to the potential risk of failure of part of the building close the small section of road between Swalwell Close and Fair View, from Swalwell Close to the back lane.
- The Council will also prepare an application for a court order, under Section 77 of the Building Act to undertake work to the building, and/or installation of structural scaffolding to remove the "danger" from the building.
The update follows Mr Opperman and Prudhoe Town Councillor Tracey Gilmore working closely with NCC to ensure the voices of residents are heard.
The campaign from the MP came after local residents raised their concerns with him over building’s current risk to public safety.
An ongoing dispute between the owner and HMRC has prevented the building from being demolished and the site from being cleared.
Mr Opperman has also recently contacted HMRC to ensure they were aware of the need for action to be urgently taken.
Guy Opperman MP said:
“I welcome this update which shows action is being taken.
I will continue to work closely with Northumberland County Council and HMRC to ensure the voices of local residents are heard.
Local residents are fed up of this dangerous eyesore.”
Prudhoe Town Cllr Tracy Gilmore said:
‘’I drive along Swalwell Close daily and it appals me that this building has been left in such a derelict state. It’s an accident waiting to happen. I first raised concerns when windows were damaged and again when roof tiles were falling. This building needs to be demolished before it deteriorates further and becomes even more unstable.
We have school children walking past the building daily to three local schools. I hate to think what could happen with falling debris.”