Two derelict sites in Todmorden are set to be cleared after joint action taken by Calderdale Council and the Todmorden Development Board.
Land on Halifax Road, next to Todmorden Health Centre, and the old Abraham Ormerod building on Burnley Road, have become unsightly and overgrown after years of neglect.
Despite requests to the owner of the Halifax Road site the land has not been cleared and the Council has now served a Section 215 Notice to the landlord. This legal power allows the Council to force landowners to clear land which has become so untidy that it is damaging the appearance of the local area.
The owners of the site have agreed to install and repair fencing around the boundaries of the land in June.
Council officers at the request of members of the Todmorden Development Board have also held meetings with Asda about the Abraham Ormerod building on Burnley Road.
Asda has agreed to secure the site, clear vegetation and improve the appearance of the area, including demolishing the existing buildings to ground level. The Council will continue to work with Asda on plans for the redevelopment of the site.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, Cllr Barry Collins said:
“I’m delighted that progress has finally been made at both of these locations. We have received many complaints from members of the public as these neglected sites in Todmorden are an eyesore and are a real blight on the town.
“These are large areas of land in the heart of the community and they have great potential. I am sure that their redevelopment in time will provide a welcome boost to our local economy.”
Todmorden Development Board Chair, Cllr Jayne Booth said:
“It’s fantastic to see that positive action is now being taken to tackle these problem sites. We’re proud of Todmorden and we’re working closely with the Council to make sure it continues to be a great place to live and visit.”