Denbigh building is 'ugly and dangerous'

Aug 6 2008 By David Simister

A DISUSED Denbigh building is dangerous and an eyesore for local residents and visitors.

That’s according to Sue Muse of the Denbigh Business Group, who raised the issue of the former Autoworld garage on Smithfield Road at the group’s meeting last week [August 6].

"It’s horrible at the moment, and can’t remain like this much longer. The site’s on a main road going into Denbigh and isn’t doing anything to encourage people who might be wanting to bring their own business or trade into the town, and puts visitors off" she said.

"I also hate to think what would happen if children broke into it, because there’s lots of graffiti and the windows have been smashed. We don’t need the danger or the unsightliness of this building in the town."

The building, opposite the Morrisons supermarket in the town, has been out of use for several months since the closure of the town’s Autoworld garage.

Denbigh residents and traders have been left concerned about the state of the building, saying that its smashed windows and graffiti not only detract from its surroundings, but are also dangerous to children, who could be tempted to use the site as a play area.

The owners, Wrexham-based developers Gower Homes, are currently awaiting planning approval from the county council to demolish the building and construct a new block of flats on the site.

Denbigh councillor Raymond Bartley agreed that the building had fallen into a dilapidated state but said he was optimistic about the new developments proposed for the site.

"The sooner work starts on the new development, the better. It’s an ideal site for a new block of flats and should be a much better use of the area than what is happening now" he said.

"At the moment the site is dangerous and an eyesore in the town centre. It’s attracting the wrong sort of influences to the town".

Gower Homes declined to comment on the building’s current condition.