Member Article

Former taxi building demolished

A former taxi office building in a Teesside town has been demolished after becoming a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

The private building, on scrub land adjacent to Eston Square in Eston, Middlesbrough, was made the subject of a Section 215 enforcement order by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Ward councillors took the step after the corporate premises, which is believed to have suffered several small arson attacks, became strewn with graffiti, badly vandalised and a fly-tipping hotspot.

It’s hoped removing the troubled building will appease concerns of nearby residents and tidy up the popular square area.

Eston ward councillor and cabinet member for community safety, Steven Goldswain, said the proximity of nearby older people’s flats and bungalows, was of particular concern.

“This building was not just a blot on the landscape, it was causing people living near it considerable distress,” said Cllr Goldswain.

“It had become a dumping ground for refuse and subject to a number of arson attacks.

“It is unfortunate that the council had to use these measures after failing to engage the owner.

“However, it serves as a reminder that we will not hesitate to use our enforcement powers for the benefit of the community.”

The order stated that the owner must either return the building to an acceptable condition or demolish it, which was done at the owner’s expense.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .