I have received further reports of problems at the site of the former Glendale House residential care home (see post dated 29 June 2012 for background details).
It is reported that boards have been prised from windows by someone trespassing in the area. Further, the grass and weeds are growing as though out of control and debris is accumulating which tends to bring down the general tone of the surrounding area. The potential for anti-social behaviour and arson is obvious.
This is entirely unacceptable for the residents of the housing estates nearby and I have contacted the estates section at county hall to urge that they take immediate action to address this problem. I have been assisted in this by PCSO Ian Goodwin and by Andy Denholm from the neighbourhood wardens team.
I have been told by officers in the estates section that ownership of the property and surrounding site is uncertain due to the council's ongoing negotiations with a potential purchaser. This is offered in explanation for the run down condition of the site.
My position however is clear: if the property is currently owned by the council then its condition and upkeep is their responsibility. On the other hand, if contracts have been exchanged then the new owner is responsible. Either way, residents nearby are entitled to a decent living environment.
I am assured that emergency orders have now been raised to ensure the security of the building and I will ensure that the remaining area is returned to an acceptable standard as soon as the legal details above are clarified.
