Hexham MP, Guy Opperman and Prudhoe Town Councillor, Tracey Gilmore have welcomed an update on Prudhoe Drill Hall.
Magistrates have granted an order under The Building Act Section 77, which gives Northumberland County Council the power to carry out works six weeks from today (2nd November) to prevent the current danger at Prudhoe Drill Hall.
The six week period is to allow the owner time to organise and undertake the work.
There will be at least weekly site inspections and the council will take action under Section 78, should the building deteriorate.
The update follows Guy 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 the 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.
Guy Opperman MP said:
“I welcome this update which shows action is being taken.
I will continue to work closely with Northumberland County Council 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.
I welcome this update and I will continue to work with NCC to ensure this dangerous eyesore is dealt with.”
ENDS