Locals favor demolishing the council-bought General Wolfe pub, a £1 million empty building causing antisocial behaviour.
MP Noah Law says the council must act soon. Almost half surveyed want demolition. He called the pub a “white elephant” before. The council meant to house vulnerable people there, but no work has started on the building.
It’s now facing antisocial behavior. The council said they plan to work with the town and are getting cost estimates for fixes.
Three hundred seventy people took the survey. One hundred seventy-nine voted for demolition. One hundred seven wanted flats for professionals and eighty-four favored a youth facility.
The MP notes the building’s special place for locals, but many see the building as a trouble spot. They prefer a safer area over its looks, noting this is a complex site with possible issues.
The MP wonders why the council bought it and questions their ability to fix it up. He wants action based on local wishes and opposes forcing unwanted choices on them.
Law wants a full building survey and structural checks of neighboring places. He wants the listed status reviewed and noted the building’s poor shape, worrying about waste and water damage.
People suggested other ideas for the site too. These included a pub or music venue, an arts hub or affordable homes.
The MP will help the project as he can, noting the council owns it, so they must lead. He urged better consultation with people and opposes rash spending decisions.
The council says costs increased a lot, and flats are not viable anymore for this place. They aim to find the best solution with the town, talking and checking costs now.
A council member said they bought it for £1 million; the prior owner wanted £1.1 million at first. They wanted temporary housing due to rising need. The council thought they could fix the flats. Government funds of £750,000 would help, and thirteen flats could provide local affordable housing, they thought.