Calls for council to seize abandoned property on Buckstone Crescent in landmark legal measure

Lynne and Stuart Gray have called on the city council for action to force the owner of a property in Buckstone Crescent to sell up after being subjected to the abandoned property next door for 20 years.

Clr Scott Arthur outside a property on Buckstone Crescent an empty council property that's been trashed

Mrs Gray said: “The property in Buckstone has been completely abandoned since the person left the property 20 years ago – it has fallen into total disrepair. Nearly all the windows are boarded up and the property is actually very dangerous.

“The council served a statutory notice ten years ago and that’s not been complied with.”

She added: “Someone is going to be seriously hurt. The fire brigade have told us it’s a fire risk. The owner has abdicated all responsibility. The house has basically been abandoned – it must be absolutely hoaching inside. This property is costing an absolute fortune to the council. We want someone to take responsibility for the whole thing.”

Mrs Gray welcomed the move to a more interventionist approach in order to solve the problems.

She said: “I know that empty homes are a huge thing. A property that’s brought back into use, further down the chain is a home for someone.

“People constantly stop and say, why are the council not doing anything?

McGowan House Dec 2006

“We have had so many promises over the years. Compulsory Purchase seems like the only way for the council to do something.”

Labour Cllr Scott Arthur welcomed the council’s decision to push ahead with the CPO policy.

Cllr Arthur said: “These powers are used elsewhere in Scotland and down in England to great effect. I do encourage the council to pursue these really problematic properties. I hope the one in Buckstone is first on the list.”