Fears over site in Drumahoe

LONDONDERRY'S DUP leader Gregory Campbell has called for a clean-up around a former wholesale chemist's site in Drumahoe.

The property itself was once Smiths Chemist, number 76 Glenshane Road and has been derelict for a number of years.

Fears have been expressed that the area has become an eyesore and that children may be playing around the property, and may injure themselves.

The current owners of the former wholesale chemist's site, Frank Longs Supermarket Ltd, said it was hoped something would be done in terms of developing its land but the company had no immediate plans for it.

DUP councillor, Joe Miller, who lives in Drumahoe, said a number of residents from the Beeches had been in touch to voice their views that the area, which is located along the main Londonderry to Belfast road, had become an eyesore.

He said: "People want to see this tidied up, and are worried not just at its appearance, but are concerned that young people may be gathering around there."

He said that no one was sure who owned what land around the former chemist's site.

His colleague, Gregory Campbell also lives near the site.

He said: "It has been lying derelict for some time now.

"What I think is the problem, is that young people and children have been using it as a sort of a play area.

"There is the worry that they might injure themselves."

Mr Campbell said people had not raised the issue with him directly, but he was aware of the problem of children gathering in the area.

He added: "I think people are concerned at the length of time it has been derelict. I think they would like to see an appropriate development there."

Brian Long, Managing Director of Longs Supermarkets Ltd said: "We are looking at doing something with the site, but we have no immediate plans."

There have been a number of planning applications, including one in 2002 from Cookes Amusement for a proposed change of use from warehouse to bingo hall, which was refused.

Since then, a proposed new food retail building with associated storage and office accommodation, parking and landscaping at the building was accepted, as was a Retail Development Incorporating Main Shop Floor, Off-License, Stores, Office Accommodation, Staff Area and Parking Facilities.

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