Call to step up security at site of fire-hit Hatherton club
Calls have been made for security to be stepped up at the site of a former social club in Walsall which has been plagued with fly-tipping problems, after dumped tyres and other debris was set ablaze.
Blakenall Councillor Pete Smith said the derelict site of the former Hatherton Liberal Club, in North Street, is 'dangerous' and has become a 'fly-tipper's paradise'.
He has called on planning enforcement officers at Walsall Council to put pressure on the landowners to take action.
It is thought that the owners are planning to redevelop the site for residential use but no plans have yet been lodged with the council.
Councillor Smith said: "The site is in close proximity to industrial, residential and recreational lands and a fire here could be damaging to nearby premises and people.
"Dumped tyres and other debris were set ablaze and had to be dealt with by the fire service.
"This cost and threat to the local properties in the area may have been avoided if the owners had taken action. As a result of the fire, the fence is breached even more as the fire service was forced to break some panelling down to get to the fire.
"This situation is just not good enough and I, as well as local residents, expect much more determined action by the council to ensure that this eyesore is again boarded up, that the owners take responsibility to clear any future fly-tipped rubbish until such time that a further planning application can be considered."
The former club which stood on the site was pulled down in 2003 after the building was set alight. The club is believed to have closed shortly before then.
"It's been a fly-tipper's paradise," Councillor Smith said.
"I urge people to report anyone they see fly-tipping rubbish there.
"The owners have a duty of care to ensure the site is secure."
Firefighters from Walsall tackled a blaze involving 215sq ft of household rubbish at the site after being called out at 7.16pm on Wednesday.
Walsall Council regeneration chief Adrian Andrew said: "We want an urgent meeting with the site's owner to remove the fly-tipped rubbish at Hatherton Liberal Club and secure the site.
"The owner has indicated they intend to lodge a planning application for the site to be redeveloped for residential use. If such an application is received, neighbours will be informed as part of the planning application process."
It comes after Walsall Council bosses announced plans earlier this year to extend the area's street cleansing service to a full seven days a week. A review was carried out to see resources extended to improve weekend work.
The street car and cleaning department looks after abandoned vehicles, flytipping, grass cuttings road spillages and syringes.
