By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There has been a clampdown on a derelict Gloucester city centre landmark amid reports it has become a hotspot for trespassers and drug users.
The buildings at 67-69 London Road are widely regarded as an eyesore are in an “unacceptable” condition with broken windows. People have repeatedly trespassed onto the site, according to a local councillor.
Now Gloucester City Council has taken action to secure the property to prevent unauthorised access.
The site, which is owned by Pall Mall Estates, is earmarked for a potential housing development of up to 60 homes according to the emerging strategic and local plan for the city, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury.
Kingsholm and Wotton Councillor Jeremy Hilton (LD) said: “The condition of 67/69 London Road is unacceptable. Since acquiring the site, Pall Mall has left the buildings empty and allowed them to fall into serious disrepair.
“Broken windows, breached hoardings and repeated unauthorised access show a clear failure to secure and maintain the site.
“Police were recently called after youngsters gained access to the roof. Rough sleepers have also entered the buildings and there are reports of drug use.
“Pall Mall says it has agreed a lease with an unnamed company, but that does not address the immediate concerns. Buildings have recently been stripped out and waste has been left on site.
“The work appears poorly managed and raises serious health and safety questions. Pall Mall must explain how the waste is being handled and whether any hazardous materials are involved.
“I have written to Pall Mall again, supplied photographs and reported the matter to the council’s enforcement team. Enough is enough.
“Pall Mall must secure the site, deal with the waste safely and end this long-running neglect.
“The city council has told me they intend to secure the buildings today (November 6) and process further enforcement action.”
Pall Mall Estates has been approached for comment.
“Action has been taken today to secure the property from unauthorised access and will be monitored moving forward,” a city council spokesperson said.
“The council is also considering what further enforcement action may be appropriate in respect of the management and condition of the site.”