'Not fair' - Action taken against owner of derelict property in Filey Place, Blackpool with pigeon infestation

A derelict property posing health problems to its neighbours in central Blackpool has been brought back into use.

The ground-floor property on Filey Place had stood empty for around 10 years, with dry rot and a pigeon infestation left unchecked – despite the first-floor property above being a tenanted home.

Blackpool Council brought action against the owner in a bid resolve ongoing issues for the tenant living above and recover thousands of pounds in unpaid council tax.

Despite a series of successful prosecutions over a number of years, the owner continued to not comply with court orders putting conditions in to carry out works. However, a final, successful Charging Order has now been brought, allowing Blackpool Council to enforce sale of the property; comprising two separate flats.

Cllr Dave Flanagan, cabinet member for housing, said: “This property was causing real problems. It was run down and full of dry rot, which can pose health risks through damp and mold exposure and also impact a building’s structural safety. This simply wasn’t fair on the resident living upstairs in a home owned by a different, responsible landlord.

“Our teams tried a number of routes to enforce action, eventually forcing a sale which allowed the council to recover more than £10,000 of unpaid council tax and see the property taken on by a responsible operator.

“Through our Empty Properties Taskforce, we are taking proactive action to seek out those who disregard the wellbeing of our people, our communities and our local businesses. Responsible landlords who do the right thing have nothing to fear, but anyone who thinks they can ignore officers and warnings issued by the council, and let homes or commercial premises become wrecks should be in no doubt that we will use every power available to us to hold them to account.

“This isn’t just about fixing up properties, but about strengthening communities. We want all our neighbourhoods to feel safe, welcoming and attractive.”

The building on Filey Place – both the ground floor and first floor flats – was purchased by a local developer and has now been completely renovated ready for use as a single dwelling.

As part of this process, the first floor tenant was supported to move into alternative accommodation.

Blackpool Council’s Empty Properties Taskforce is a multi-agency team using proactive action against landlords who refuse to comply with rules around the safety, security and wider impact of their properties. Combining enforcement action and practical support, it works to bring homes back into use to invigorate neighbourhoods and improve housing environments.