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Action taken against landlord over Malthouse Walk eyesore
16/02/2022
Over recent weeks an accumulation of rubbish has led to complaints over the state of the area
Action has been taken against the landowner responsible for an area in Banbury town centre which has become a litter strewn eyesore. Over recent weeks an accumulation of rubbish in Malthouse Walk, between Christchurch Court and Broad Street, has led to complaints over the state of the area by both local people and those coming to our town.
One visitor to Banbury, Irene, wrote on social media: “So glad I do not live in Banbury anymore. What are you paying your Council Tax for…? Dreadful, depressing, disgraceful.”
Cherwell District Council has taken formal enforcement action against the landowner. From last Tuesday (February 8) they are in breach of a community protection notice. This means further action can now be taken, including fixed penalty notices, prosecution, and measures to recover costs for time spent cleaning the private walkway.
For several months the area had been kept clean by Banbury’s army of voluntary litter pickers, but during a short period when no volunteers were available the area quickly became an eyesore. When concerns about the state of the area were raised with the Council they indicated that enforcement action was being taken against the landlord, who had the responsibility for keeping the area clean and tidy.
Councillor Dan Sames, Lead Member for Clean and Green, said: “The condition of Malthouse Walk has been a matter of real concern to shoppers, visitors and local businesses for some time.
“It is disappointing that matters have reached this stage. Our intention is still that the landowner puts in place an appropriate, regular street cleansing programme of their own.
“With the community protection notice now having been breached, the council has several enforcement options at its disposal.
“Given the number of complaints we’ve received, the risk to public health and the damage to the general appearance of the town centre, we feel that it is important to pursue further enforcement.”
Cherwell’s staff will not be cleaning the area for the time being so that the appropriate formal enforcement measures are legally sound. It is understood the voluntary litter collectors have also been asked not to clear the area whilst the action is underway.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam