Call to demolish or improve derelict buildings

Derelict building on Drake Street

Local Authorities have to take steps where there is minimum expenditure but benefits to the people and Rochdale to work closely with the owners of derelict properties to either demolish or improve these properties.

Ghulam Rasul Shahzad OBE, is calling on the appropriate authorities to take immediate steps and conduct a survey of all derelict buildings. He said: "Many have been empty for years and have become an eyesore, a risk to adjacent properties, pedestrians and road users. Open pieces of land have become dumping places and a magnet for other anti-social activities."

Mr Shahzad cites as an example a building on Drake Street, which has been empty for many years, he said: "Its backyard is full of rubbish and litter and is a nuisance for the residents nearby."