Plaid Cymru group leader councillor Lindsay Whittle has spoken of his frustration over the failure of Caerphilly Council to take action over an eyesore building yards from the town’s iconic castle.
The derelict office building in Crescent Road has lain empty for many years with smashed windows and graffiti.
Councillor Lindsay Whittle said: “Can you imagine an eyesore building opposite Windsor Castle lying derelict for years with no action from the local authority? It wouldn’t happen but in Caerphilly there appears to be a real reluctance to take action to force the owners to clean up this site. It presents a terrible image to the huge number of visitors who arrive at the main car park in their cars and coaches.”
He has been told by officers that there are planning applications to build 29 apartments, a retail unit and tackle Japanese knotweed on these site.
“Once these applications are determined and if approved it is my understanding that work is to commence on the demolition,” a council officer told Councillor Whittle.
But Councillor Lindsay Whittle says this is not good enough.
“It will take time to determine the applications. Then the applicants will have up to five years to build the new venture. Meanwhile, the building looks like something out of a derelict town.
“The council has the powers to make the owners spruce this building up and clear-up the grounds at the very least. Bu they are not using them and nothing is being done to sort out the immediate problem.”