Petition to protect 'eyesore' pub from vandalism

The former Station Hotel has been closed for more than 15 years

Residents are calling on a council to protect an "eyesore" former pub from vandalism and disrepair.

The former Station Hotel in South Hetton, County Durham, has been branded a "dilapidated, dangerous disgrace" by concerned locals.

They launched a petition asking Durham County Council to ensure a compulsory purchase order is completed, or to take action to repurpose or demolish the former pub.

The authority said it was looking into using its powers to force the owners to improve the site.

Gillian Rodgers, chairman of South Hetton Parish Council, warned the building was a danger to residents.

She said: "It’s dreadful - children were on the roof last week and our major concern is that it will take for someone to get seriously hurt before something is done about it."

'Blot on landscape'

Sheryl Elliot, who set up the petition, said the site ruined the area.

"It looks dreadful and dangerous, and is now a blot on the village’s landscape," she said.

The parish council urged the county council to prioritise the community campaign.

It said the area had a "thriving" community centre, successful cricket club, "flourishing" businesses and excellent school, but the anti-social behaviour the former pub attracts was an ongoing cause for concern.

The pub was bought at auction but attempts to find the owner have failed

Ms Rodgers said: "It’s frustrating, with all the good work we’ve done in the village, and the one thing that remains is that awful eyesore of a building."

The pub closed more than 15 years ago and was later bought at auction, but attempts to contact the owner have failed, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Following the concerns, Durham County Council said it could force the building’s owners to improve the site.

Stephen Reed, planning development manager, said: "We are aware of local people’s concerns about the condition of this privately owned building and are investigating with a view to exercising powers [..] to require the owners to carry out a number of improvements."