Vandalism is a danger to my club warns Blackpool landlord

By Shelagh Parkinson
Published 7th Mar 2023, 15:55 BST
Updated 7th Mar 2023, 15:55 BST
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A Blackpool landlord is calling for action after the property next door to his club has been so badly vandalised he fears it has become dangerous.

Nick Lowe, who runs The Talbot Club on Milbourne Street near the town centre, says youngsters have smashed windows and gained access to the roof of the empty building next to his.

He is fed up of years of vandalism at the site and is now calling on the council to take enforcement action.

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The property, which is on the corner of Milbourne Street and Buchanan Street, has been empty for several years since previously being occupied by offices.

Nick Lowe from The Talbot is fed up with repeated vandalism at the property next doorNick Lowe from The Talbot is fed up with repeated vandalism at the property next door
Nick Lowe from The Talbot is fed up with repeated vandalism at the property next door

Mr Lowe said: “It has been empty for about eight to 10 years but over that time kids have broken into it repeatedly.

“They are able to get up onto the roof, and then access my roof and I fear the continued vandalism of the building is putting my property at risk.

“I have spent about £1,500 on repairs to my property already including due to damage to the roof, and I’ve screwed boards on next door in an attempt to stop it.

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“I am repeatedly having to repair slates on my roof which get damaged.

The vandalised property on the corner of Buchanan Street and Milbourne StreetThe vandalised property on the corner of Buchanan Street and Milbourne Street
The vandalised property on the corner of Buchanan Street and Milbourne Street

“The building is also unsafe and it concerns me that children who are gaining access could get hurt, especially if they are getting onto the roof.

“It has changed hands a couple of times so I don’t know who owns it, but I have reported it to the council as I think they need to get in touch with the landlord and force them to do something about it.”

Blackpool Council said it was aware of the situation and considering the possibility of enforcement action.

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A council spokesperson, said: “We are aware of concerns about this property and have been very pro-active in our response.

Nick Lowe from The Talbot outside property next doorNick Lowe from The Talbot outside property next door
Nick Lowe from The Talbot outside property next door

“A camera was recently placed in the area to monitor any potential anti-social behaviour and footage is being reviewed.

“We have also taken steps to find the contact details of the owner of the empty property and are in the process of assessing appropriate enforcement actions that we might pursue.”