The Isle of Anglesey County Council yesterday (Monday, 16 December) obtained a court order to secure urgent remedial works to Churchill House in Holyhead.
Section 77 of the Building Act 1984 gives the Council power to promptly deal with buildings or structures which are a danger and to ensure public safety. As part of the order served on the owners, the building will be closed to the public for repairs.
The County Council has acted after two separate (and independent) reports by external structural experts highlighted the dangerous condition of the four-storey building on Stanley Street and the immediate risk posed to public safety.
Structural beams and brickwork have significantly deteriorated over time affecting how loads are distributed across building, which was originally built in 1906. Urgent temporary works have already taken place, but a long-term solution to reduce the risk to public safety is now required.
The building is responsibility of the property owners, but they have failed to ensure its safety.
The property owners do have the opportunity to undertake the works themselves and if this happens, there will be no cost to the Council. However, should they fail to act, the Council will undertake the works and seek to recover the costs from the property owners.
Anglesey Chief Executive, Dylan J. Williams, explained, “Recent investigations concluded that the overall condition of Churchill House is far worse than originally anticipated, and it is showing serious structural weaknesses.
“As a result of the court order obtained, the Conservative Club (as tenants) now has three weeks to vacate the building, whilst public access must be restricted immediately. This unfortunately means no Christmas or New Year parties, or functions can be held there for the time being.”
He added, “Other tenants in the building had agreed to vacate the building. However, since October, all previous requests asking the Conservative Club to close its doors voluntarily were ignored and so we had no choice but to seek a court order. I would stress that the County Council’s actions are being undertaken in order to safeguard public safety.”
Ends 17 December 2024