Resident Shames Council into Action on Derelict Buildings

Local resident Julia Kirkland, who lives in Clarendon Park, addressed the council's Environment Committee on Wednesday 21st January, armed with photographs of derelict buildings in her neighbourhood.

Having received progress reports from Lib Dem councillors Dave Morgan and David Buxton, she was encouraged to tackle the matter head-on and put her weight behind their campaign for action.

Julia also took issue with the council's proposal to spend £250,000 on upgrading the car park behind the Town Hall which a council report said would "enable the setting of the Town Hall to be improved by creating a more attractive public realm" and told the council there were better ways to spend money.

Julia asked if the council could put a more attractive fence around Horton Chapel and mow the grass, until a use could be found for it. Saying that Horton Tower had become a blot on the landscape, she wants Horton Tower cleaned up, proper security put in place, and some planting.

She had also taken photographs of the derelict sports pavilion in Court Recreation Ground, the Hollymoor Lane shops and the back and front of the Sefton Arms.

The Hollymoor Lane redevelopment has stalled due to the economic climate and demolition of the Sefton Arms has been promised for over two years. The latter has become an area for fly-tipping and graffiti.

Julia received assurances from the Council representatives after the meeting that each of the items she raised was being addressed. However, as she pointed out, people walking past these eyesores see no evidence of that at all and only see these buildings deteriorating. Julia said "I asked the Councillors if they would be prepared to live and work next to these sites and needless to say they made no reply".

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