Council urged to step in over derelict pub

The buildings have been falling into disrepair

A council has been urged to use new powers to redevelop a former pub, described as a "blot on the landscape".

The Station, in St Helen Auckland, County Durham, and two adjoining houses, have been empty and falling into disrepair for several years.

New government measures mean local authorities will be able to auction off leases for commercial properties that have been vacant for long periods.

Durham County Council said it had been told the owner was now living in the building, but it was investigating how it could use the powers.

The measures, announced this week, will create a "right to rent" for businesses and community groups, giving them access to vacant sites in a bid to boost the high street.

Labour's Rob Yorke urged council leaders to step in by using the new powers to take control of the building.

He said residents were "keen to see progress" after a petition calling on the council to buy the site was signed by 600 people.

"We are seeing lots of regeneration nearby, yet the former Station pub is a blot on the landscape," Yorke said.

There had been complaints the boarded-up properties attracted vandals and arsonists who had started rubbish fires nearby, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Amanda Hopgood, leader of Durham County Council, said officers had been in touch with the owner "multiple times".

"Last week, the owner informed us that they are now living in the building, but we will continue to monitor the situation," she said.

"Non-statutory guidance was published this week outlining how local authorities and other interested partners can use high street rental auction powers.

"We are currently investigating how these powers could complement our own ongoing work to target empty buildings, as part of our commitment to regenerating towns and villages across the county."