DRIFFIELD town councillors have drawn up a top 10 hit list of derelict buildings currently tarnishing the image of The Capital of the Wolds.
Councillors were subjected to a barrage of criticism after resident Mr George Siddle branded the authority a “lion without teeth” over its inability to take action on eyesores which are an ugly blot on the townscape.
Several councillors felt attacks in the press and on radio had been unfair as their powers were limited and inadequate legislation meant they were unable to take positive action to solve the problem.
Now they have identified key eyesore properties and plan to highlight them in a presentation pack featuring photos and perhaps a video.
MP Greg Knight will be invited to visit the town council to view the information along with East Riding of Yorkshire Councillor Symon Fraser and a representative from the planning department.
Councillors Mark Blakeston, David Credland and Georgina Lucas will then take the information to County Hall in Beverley in the hope of presenting it to Mr Alan Menzies, the director of planning and economic regeneration.
The move follows a motion put before the town council on Tuesday which asked members to make the point “that there is no reason the town council bear the brunt of public anger at the inactivity of the ERYC”
Councillors hope that during his visit, Mr Knight will address the town council on legislation regarding derelict buildings.
Coun Blakeston said he had drawn up a list of eyesore buildings which included the Old Post Office, the former Cattle Market, Theakstons Arcade, the old KwikSave building, the former Ivy House Glass building, the ex Naylors woodyard site, Queen Street generally, the former Bosch garage and the Sugar Mills.
A member of the public, Mr David Symonds, of Park Avenue, asked during public discussion when action would be taken to protect listed buildings and call property owners to account.
“When you buy a Listed Building it is like having a child. You must look after it,” he said.
The deputy mayor agreed and said heritage was important but was being whittled away.
Coun Credland said that too often the town council took the blame but the authority did not have the power to make compulsory purchase orders.
“The only way these matters are going to be sorted out is with CPOs.
“The East Riding are happy to let us take the blame when they do not do anything”.
But Coun Neal Pearson said: “It is no good blaming the East Riding if there is nothing that they can do.”
Councillors spoke of their concern at developers landgrabbing - buying up plots of land to block rival building schemes.
Coun Steve Poessl said ERYC had the power to impose CPOs but said the process was long and drawn out.
He said a change of legislation was required which needed a push towards Parliament. “We need to get our MP here.”
Previously, Coun Paul Rounding has called upon people concerned about the state of Driffield to attend town council meetings and get more involved in community projects to try and improve the town.
What do you think of Driffield’s eyesores?