House of Horrors is Residents' Worst Nightmare

5.42.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 16th Nov 2006

"A derelict bungalow next to a church hall has become an eyesore and also the focus of anti-social and possible criminal activity. It is local residents' worst nightmare come true", says Whalley Range Liberal Democrat Councillor John Grant.

Empty properties in an area such as Whalley Range where there is massive demand for residential accommodation reduce possibilities for those who want to move into the area. If they are not properly maintained the buildings deteriorate, become eye-sores but also attract anti-social and criminal activity.

Liberal Democrat councillors saw the problem and acted by initiating work with council officers to review all empty properties in the area. The benefit of 2 years' hard work is starting to be seen as empty properties become safe and secure and ultimately back in use as residential accommodation.

76 St Werburgh's Road is the worst example of what happens when the owner leaves property to deteriorate. It is now an awful sight; people can and are getting into what is an unsafe building and engaging in anti-social behaviour right next to a church hall.

Liberal Democrat Councillor John Grant said:

"I am not surprised that local residents are up in arms about the state of this property and what is going on in it. That is why I have contacted the council's Chief Executive calling for immediate action. The property needs to be either securely boarded up so there is no way in to it; or demolished, and the site fenced until a new development is built."

"I am working very closely with the police to tackle anti-social behaviour and we are determined to see property like this removed as a place for this kind of activity. Property owners must realise we will not sit back and let them do nothing."

ENDS