Council to take action on 'diabolical' buildings

Mayor of Coleraine, councillor Norman Hillis. Councillor Hillis was speaking at last Tuesday's Council meeting, as councillors were informed that Council intends to take action on property owners who fail to tidy up their properties.

Article 66 of the Pollution Control and Local Government Order requires owners to repair, or if they wish, demolish their properties.

In the coming weeks, Council is set to identify ruinous buildings in the borough and impose the order on particular landowners.

Councillors welcomed the action.

"I am very happy," said the Mayor. "This isamajor source of embarrassment for all of us. It is totally diabolical."

Alderman Toye Black described the actions as 'long overdue.' She said: "When you think of all the awards this town has won this year,

it's an embarrassment."

Councillor Christine Alexander is involved in Council's Property Working Group, who consider issues such as this, she said: "

I brought this proposal to Council and I identified over 30 properties in Portrush."