A seaside community has backed Moray Council’s plans to tackle the number of derelict buildings in the region.
Councillors yesterday approved a strategy to deal with vacant properties, which could involve them seizing ownership of them to give town centres a new lease of life.
And residents of Prospect Terrace in Lossiemouth last night backed the decision, claiming a decaying property nearby has been a blight on the street for more than 20 years.
Heldon and Laich councillor John Cowe said Brae Lossie had become a troublespot, with the problem so severe some nearby residents were living in fear.
Mr Cowe said: “It’s not acceptable that one neighbour has to lock herself in her bedroom because she’s afraid of the antisocial behaviour that goes on at that house.”
One nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, said those on the street had grown to accept the “disgusting” building as part of local life.
She added: “The building has just got gradually worse over the last 20 years, and only recently somebody smashed a window on the top floor to climb in there.
“We regularly hear noises going on, and it was occupied for squatters for a while, but we thought nothing would ever happen to change things.
“It really is disgusting, so if anything can be done about it that would be wonderful.”
At yesterday’s planning and regulatory services committee meeting, members heard that 110 properties across the region are being targeted for repair work.
The venues are being ranked via a system which grades their visual impact and potential for rejuvenation.
The council now aims to take legal action to persuade building owners into addressing the trouble properties, and if ownership can not be determined the local authority will seize control of sites.
The council’s head of development services, Jim Grant, added: “Unless we’re a bit more proactive about this then these buildings will just continue to sit there.”
Councillors ultimately agreed to forward the proposals, which could lead to dilapidated venues across the region receiving a new lease of life.