Legal action against owners of Fenland’s derelict buildings has proved a huge success with many of the eyesores now restored or improved.

Wisbech Standard: Derelict Buildings in ChatterisDerelict Buildings in Chatteris (Image: Archant)

Local MP Steve Barclay welcomed news that action by Fenland District Council on negligent owners has resulted in buildings like 13b Bridge Street, Chatteris being completely renovated and now ready to be let.

Properties at 21, 23 and 25 Hill Street, Wisbech have also been brought up to scratch and a Section 215 notice has seen the former ATS site in Wisbech transformed.

Mr Barclay, who was given an update on the council’s progress, said: “Following the success of the S215 at the ATS site, a further five S215 notices have been issued to the owners of derelict buildings across our area, meaning work can begin on these unsightly buildings.

“Issuing a S215 financially compels the owners of these building to undertake the necessary restoration, as I explained in my last update in May. A second S215 notice has been issued on Constantine House, to ensure swift renovations on the remaining issues such as the windows, now the roof has been fixed. It is hoped work will be finished at the end of the month.

“It shows that issuing S215 notices is an effective measure in ensuring the restoration these buildings desperately need. I first highlighted this in my five page paper to the council in May 2013 and whilst it has taken longer for some buildings than hoped, it is clear that the approach I set out over two years ago has now produced positive results.

“It is important that this momentum is now maintained for those buildings still to finish, such as in Doddington. We also have the decision on the £2 million Heritage Lottery bid for the High Street in Wisbech to come which hopefully will bring further improvements.”