Owners of former nursing home blighted by anti-social behaviour must take action

The owners of a derelict former nursing home, which has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour, have been instructed by Pendle Council to take action.
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Leader Times Newspapers reported last week that the former Belgarth Nursing Home in Wheatley Lane Road, Barrowford, had been the scene of several incidents of anti-social behaviour in recent months.

Neighbours said there had been a spate of problems involving large groups of teenagers, which culminated last Wednesday afternoon when fireworks were let off inside the building.

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Pendle Council wrote to the owners in March reminding them of their repsonsibilities but the coronavirus outbreak meant enforcement site visits had to be put on hold.

Rubbish strewn outside the former Belgarth Nursing HomeRubbish strewn outside the former Belgarth Nursing Home
Rubbish strewn outside the former Belgarth Nursing Home

Tim Horsley, community protect co-ordinator for Pendle Council said: “We know that this derelict site is an eyesore and that repeated damage to the building has attracted people to the site who have been causing anti-social behaviour.

"This has been affecting the quality of life for people in this area. The police are aware of these problems, too.

"Our Planning Department wrote to the owners in March setting out the remedial work needed and asking for a timetable for improvements and a response within 21 days. However, enforcement site visits were put on hold due to the coronavirus and lockdown.

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"Environmental Health visited recently and found more broken windows. Notice has been given to the owners and they appear to have the work in hand. Our ongoing concern is the overall security of the site not just the building itself.

"At our recent Barrowford and Western Parishes Area Committee it was agreed action should be taken under the Community Protection legislation and this will happen this week. It is on our problem site list.

"I am in contact with residents and will be keeping them informed of our efforts to improve the situation and we are negotiating with the owners to try and resolve things. It has been difficult to take any legal action due to the coronavirus pandemic and large court backlogs.

"We are working hard to reach a solution and get this site improved and for the private developer on this site to get work underway."