Motte & Bailey site has become a drugs den
Operations Manager, Paul McGrath, told last night’s Property and Services Committee meeting that their latest inspection showed signs of drug use.
“There is evidence of people drinking in the veranda there and drug paraphernalia, needles etc, etc. That building is 10 times worse than it was two months ago. We boarded the windows up because they got put through. The site needs fencing off ASAP, or someone is potentially going to get hurt.”
Committee Chair, Cllr Nick Howells, who is also a health and safety expert, said: “I totally agree with Paul. It is no good just putting up a couple of safety signs saying ‘beware dangerous building’. We need to do what is reasonably practical to make it safe and I would suggest that is erecting Heras fencing all around that particular building. And netting on the roof.”
The discussion on what to do with the site preceded a lively reaction from councillors to news that the charity Welsh Bikers for Suicide Prevention had decided to move to Newtown instead of renting the site after a long delay. That story was reported earlier today.
Mr McGrath added that a meeting with all parties involved in the site would be held soon, and Town Clerk, Richard Williams, added that regular inspections would continue.
They also said that it had been a struggle to find local tradespeople to work on the site due to its heritage status.
In the meantime, the operations team will gather quotes for buying fencing due to the length of time it is expected to be in place. This could then be sold afterwards to reduce the overall hit on the tax payer.
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