Kells cllr wants action on derelict houses in town

A call on Kells Town Council to acquire two vacant, derelict building in the town by compulsory purchase has been made by Cllr Sean Drew. He pointed out that the two abandoned properties in St Colmcille's Villas and Maudlin Road have not been lived in for several years and are not only eyesores but are now derelict to such an extent that they are causing damage to adjoining houses, are a source of rodents, are dangerous structures and the location for anti-social behavior. At last weeks meeting of Kells Town Council Cllr Drew proposed that the council take the necessary steps to compulsory acquire the two properties. "It is completely unacceptable that neighbouring residents have to endure the negative impact that these derelict properties are having on their lives. "I am therefore requesting that Kells Town Council proceed to compulsory purchase these two houses under the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act 1990. "With current housing market conditions the cost to the council of compulsory purchasing these derelict properties, undertake the necessary refurbishment and allocate to the council rented housing stock, will be more than cost efficient. "By proceeding in this manner not only will the problems associated with these two houses be remedied but it will also send out a warning sign to other owners of derelict properties in Kells that they need to get their houses in order or they could be next for compulsory acquisition," he said.