A local authority has made a public appeal for the owner of a derelict former petrol station site in Middlesbrough to come forward.
Middlesbrough Council is keen to clear up the eyesore plot off Cargo Fleet Lane to prevent it becoming a magnet for vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
The site, at the junction of Bournemouth Avenue and Cargo Fleet, has been vacant for around 20 years.
Attempts have already been made to contact the owner but have been unsuccessful.
Now a public appeal is being made in the hope they will come forward so a productive future can be found for the site.
The move is part of a drive by Middlesbrough Council to clean up abandoned and eyesore buildings for the benefit of the wider community.
Councillor Eric Polano, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “We are working hard to prevent empty buildings and vacant sites from negatively impacting on communities in Middlesbrough.
“Empty sites such as this could be used to provide good quality housing or to create local jobs.
“We can help owners of vacant sites with advice on issues such as planning and building control to get them back in to use.
“In some cases we may be able to put owners in touch with people who are interested in their buying sites if they are unable to return the site to use themselves.
“We work informally with property owners wherever possible and the goal is always to achieve a solution with their involvement.
“The council does have enforcement powers available and can consider methods such as applying to compulsory purchase sites to get them back to use, however this is used as a last resort where owners fail to respond to reasonable requests.”
The owner of the site is asked to contact Elizabeth Green on 01642 728352 or email elizabeth_green@middlesbrough.gov.uk.
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