Labour and Plaid Cymru councillors have welcomed a decision to require the owners of a dilapidated Caerphilly town building to make repairs.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has taken action over the former Edro Sports store on Cardiff Road, which more recently was The Ladies Lounge, after receiving several complaints about its condition.
The roof has been removed and several windows are smashed, leading to concerns over its safety.
In a letter to councillors, CCBC’s Development Control Officer, Tim Stephens wrote: “We have received a number of complaints about its condition, and whereas it initially just looked vacant, its appearance has now deteriorated, and we have begun the process of taking action under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act, which gives the council the power to require the proper maintenance of land.
“There is a right of appeal against the exercise of that power.”
Plaid Cymru’s St Martin’s ward councillor, James Fussell, said: “This former shop has deteriorated rapidly over the last year.
“It is an eyesore that is blighting a key focal point in the upper part of the town centre.
“It also creates a very poor impression of this part of Caerphilly for residents and visitors alike.
Cllr Steve Kent added: “Council officers have said the building is not dangerous but with the winter ahead we are concerned it could deteriorate and we wouldn’t want to see the public put at danger.”
Cllr James Pritchard, who represents the Morgan Jones ward for Labour, said: “Having pressed officers of the council to act within their powers to pressure the owner, I welcome their use of the Town and Country Planning Act to require the proper maintenance of land.
“All relevant legislation needs to be used to pressure the owner to do the right thing and repair this eyesore.”