Campaign to demolish building is successful
Derelict building finally being knocked down after 30 years LOCATION: South Elmsall train station car park Pictured: Bryan Capstick
AN EYESORE building that has been a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and stood derelict for more than 30 years is finally going to be knocked down after a long-standing campaign.
An application to knock down the building in South Elmsall train station car park has finally been accepted by Wakefield Council after years of campaigning by residents and town councillors.
The warehouse has been a target for arsonists, which left brickwork unstable and caused concerns for residents, who feared that bricks would fall on pedestrians and drivers.
Coun Bryan Capstick, deputy leader of South Elmsall Town Council was pleased with the decision.
He said: “I am so glad after all this time the building is finally going to be knocked down.”
Coun Capstick and resident Stephen Tarr, of Railway Cottages, persisted in contacting Network Rail - who own the building - to apply for the building to be demolished.
Network Rail applied for the former warehouse to be taken down in March.
Coun Capstick said: “There were concerns that bricks would fall off the building and seriously injure passers-by, or land on people’s cars who park in the car park. It is hoped that once it is gone it will make way for more parking.”
There were issues with a lack of spaces in the car park and drivers would park on the road and regularly block the path leading onto Railway Cottages, which would prevent residents accessing their homes.
Mr Tarr said: “There is no question that the building is dangerous but it’s a shame that something more could not have been done with it.”
He thought if there were more funds available, it could have been regenerated into a shop or cafe, in line with the improvements made at Moorthorpe train station.
He said: “It’s a shame it has to go but if nothing can be made of it then it has to go.”
Work is expected to start on May 27.
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Weather for Wakefield
Thursday 23 May 2013
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