LEGAL action against the owners of a fire-hit former care home has been threatened this week after the eighth serious arson attack of the year on the derelict building.
Barnsley Council’s building control officers have been checking the former Belmont home, on Lamb Lane, Monk Bretton, after a crime meeting on Tuesday was told about another incident allegedly involving youths.
Youngsters have been seen by locals entering the building, owned by EJ Lidster Construction, and an investigation has begun.
Given the building is bordered by homes, local councillors want to speed up the demolition process to alleviate concerns residents have about more fires happening and its weakening structure which they say has been severely compromised.
Cath Fairweather, the council’s tasking officer, said: “Youths were seen at the scene at the most recent fire and, despite the home’s security being stiffened up, they managed to start a fire in a room on the ground floor.
“A list of measures were put in place by the building’s owners, but clearly they have not worked.
“A notice has been served on the owners, enabling one last chance to rectify the growing concerns before court action, which is ready to commence, is pursued.”
If an agreement cannot be reached, the police say there are other options including legislation which effectively forces the owner to demolish it.
Resident Margaret Sheard, who previously served as a councillor in the Monk Bretton ward, said: “It’s a defective building that needs demolishing or immediate work on it to make it safe. It absolutely is not good enough and the fencing that’s been put up isn’t working.
“We’re told it’s meant to have 24-hour security but that’s also not been happening. This is a serious situation, I think the building is beyond repair and needs bringing down.”
Patrols from both PCSOs and PCs are to be increased after police bosses instated the issue as their priority for the summer.
Matthew Gladstone, executive director for place for the council, said: “Following a spate of repeated break-ins, building control wrote to the owners requiring stronger security measures and stating its intention to apply to the court for an order under Section 77 to demolish the building if no such measures were implemented.
“The owners have increased the securing of the site and reportedly carried out necessary surveys in advance of any required demolition. We will continue to monitor the situation.”
n Eric Lidster was not available for comment when contacted by the Chronicle.
