The Lymington Society calls for action against owners of deteriorating listed buildings on town high street

THE deterioration of listed buildings in Lymington is having a negative effect on the high street and impacting businesses nearby, say the town’s conservation group.

The Lymington Society is calling for action on the “neglected” state of historic buildings, in particular the former Blue Pig pub in Angel Courtyard – which does not come under the ownership of the adjacent Angel Hotel or the Angel Courtyard.

Don Mackenzie, chair of the group, said he was alerted to the poor state of the building by a neighbouring business.

“All the old internal fittings were ripped out around the time the building was sold and it has sat there with no maintenance since then,” he said.

“The roof is deteriorating to the point where water is now leaking through a hole in the roof and window frames are unpainted and rotting.

“This listed building, which used to be part of the Angel Hotel before being sold off around 15 years ago, has now been empty for many years.

“As well as the current condition being a threat to the building itself, it also has a huge negative effect on other business nearby.”

Mr Mckenzie also highlighted the state of other buildings in the town, including the building housing Vision Express in the High Street, which have been sparking complaints from locals.

“The society regularly gets comments from its members and others about the generally neglected state of the High Street in Lymington,” continued Mr Mackenzie.

“We want the council to actively monitor the condition of these buildings and ensure that enforcement is put in place to stop them deteriorating to the level we are seeing in many cases at the moment.”

The organisation has written to the heads of enforcement and conservation at NFDC to “step up to the plate” and tackle neglect of buildings in a “more vigorous fashion”.

Mr Mackenzie stated in his letter: “I am aware that the council’s position will be that they have limited enforcement powers, but our experience is that enforcement action is almost never taken.

“This really needs to be looked at again to make sure that the council uses the powers that it does have.

“If the situation is that persuasion has to be the main route rather than enforcement, then the society would certainly be willing to play its part in a joint approach to building owners in the town.”

Members would be keen to attend any subsequent meetings arranged to discuss the issue and any possible action, stated the letter.

A spokesperson from New Forest District Coucil said: “The Lymington Society has recently contacted us regarding concerns that they have about the condition of a number of historic buildings within the town.

“We are assessing the buildings in question and, where appropriate, will work with the owners of the buildings to protect or improve their properties.”