An eyesore area of Southport which has been largely derelict for years could finally be redeveloped.
The Sandbrook Way Neighbourhood Centre in Woodvale and the properties around it, including the former Sandpiper pub, have fallen victim to vandalism in recent times.
Sefton Council has now been rehoming people in the area as it looks to pave the way for the transformation of what it describes as a “negative” site. Details plans for its future have not yet been revealed.
Ainsdale councillor Lynne Thompson said: “Redevelopment of Sandbrook Way has been promised before only to have scheme after scheme fail.
“Over the years Sandbrook Way Neighbourhood Centre has suffered greatly as a result. It has been plagued with antisocial behaviour, flytipping and vandalism.
“In 2016 I launched a Stop The Rot campaign. Working alongside local campaigners the Improve Woodvale steering group was formed. Lots of short term improvements were achieved including litter picks, community skips, planters and shrub management, but long term regeneration was always the goal.
“After meeting council officers from planning, regeneration and housing to see what could be achieved, it was clear the main sticking point for developers was the complexity of a site with multiple ownership involved. Gathering together all the local information I could I asked the council to look at options available and we lobbied for action.
“After much campaigning, petitioning and meetings with council officers I am delighted that Sefton Council has listened and intends to negotiate the acquisition of properties on Sandbrook Way and Sandbrook Road with a view to exploring options to positively change the area.”
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In a report on Sefton Council’s website the local authority said it is looking to buy the homes of people living in the Neighbourhood Centre properties on Sandbrook Way.
The council said it believes four people who live in the building out of 15 own their flats and the remaining 11 are understood to be rented out by private landlords.
There are also six commercial units, garages, a common area, a service yard, a car park.
In a cabinet meeting in February, the press and public were excluded from discussions where members agreed to progress with plans to buy the neighbourhood centre properties.
Discussions of relevant compensation payments for residents who would lose their homes was also agreed to move forward ahead of the redevelopment of the site.
Documents on the council’s website said the overall condition of the property on Sandbrook Way is “very poor” and is blighted by anti-social behaviour.
The report said: “The overall condition and appearance of the property is very poor and the site suffers from increased anti-social behaviour and has a negative impact on the local community and area.”
Now the local authority said it would need to engage with residents to determine their rehousing needs and wishes as they are moved from their homes to redevelop the area.
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