A WORDSLEY councillor has called on Dudley Council planning officers to issue an enforcement notice on a derelict former restaurant.

The building, which is sandwiched in between a Chinese takeaway and Richardson Hall, on Lawnswood Road, has become a health risk according to Cllr Paul Brothwood as it has become littered with broken glass.

He said: “It’s situated on the gateway to Wordsley and sends out all the wrong messages. I believe it has been derelict for the past 20 years and has become a real eyesore. There has also been an issue with rats.

“It comes at a time when the Richardson Hall has recently gone through a major refurbishment thanks to help from the Prince’s Trust, yet it is situated right next to a visual blight.

“I understand there was a move to turn the Chinese takeaway into a restaurant by extending into the derelict building, but nothing seems to have happened on that.”

Cllr Brothwood continued: “I’ve been trying to discover the identity of the owner, but without success. At least if an enforcement notice is issued, the owner then gets a set amount of time to put the premises in order, otherwise they become subjected to a fine and court order.”

Hilary Bills, cabinet member for environment and culture said: “We have visited the property following the complaint and we will be contacting the owner to seek improvements.

“We will also be asking them what their long term intentions for the building.”