SERIOUS concerns have been raised over a former newsagents in Thelwall labelled as an ‘eyesore’.

Cllr Ian Marks (LD – Lymm North and Thelwall) is pressing Warrington Borough Council to take action on the property, which is located on the corner of Alderley Road and Thelwall New Road.

Concerned residents have also contacted the former council leader over the state of the building.

Cllr Marks said: “It’s about time something was done about this eyesore.

“I have been putting pressure on the council to take action.

“They tell me that they are awaiting a planning application.

“No doubt this is true but I am urging them to take action now to tidy up the site.

“Residents have had to put up with it for far too long.

“I thought the council had powers to do something about unsafe and unsightly buildings.

“I am not sure why nothing is being done to force action.”

The council confirmed it has been in contact with the owner and has requested that they carry out regular ‘safety checks’.

A spokeswoman said: “We have been involved with this building from a dangerous structures point of view over the last few years.

“We have required the owner make parts of the building safe and they have responded to all such requests.

“We have been in contact with the owner and requested they undertake regular safety checks of the building.

“Our surveyor carries out routine inspections and if a danger exists we will ensure the appropriate action is taken to remove the danger.”

She added: “Where the amenity of an area is being adversely affected by the appearance of a building, the council does have powers – under Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 – to serve a notice on an owner, requiring that the situation be remedied.

“The council’s planning enforcement team will investigate this matter in order to assess whether such a notice is required.”