Councillors call for demolition of 'dangerous' buildings
People in the Scottish Borders town of Hawick are calling for some dilapidated buildings on a local estate to be demolished, after becoming concerned that they could pose a danger to the town's youngsters.
The semi-derelict buildings at the rear of shops and flats in Kenilworth Avenue on the Burnfoot estate have gradually been deteriorating over recent years. Councillors are now concerned that not only have they become a haven for vermin, but also that young people could be hurt by the unsafe structures if they venture inside.
Jamie Batten, the vice chairman of the local community council, has called for them to be demolished, as it is they serve no greater purpose and demolition is the most logical option for them.
The only barrier standing between the building and their razing, however, is who is responsible for it, as their ownership is in question.
They were originally built by the former Hawick Town Council and are thought to have initially been meant for use by the tenants of the flats above the shops. Their ownership passed on to the Scottish Borders Housing Association when the town council was reorganised, but it is thought that the shop owners could have some say in their status.
Mr Batten has called on the housing association to take decisive enforcement action on the matter and demolish them before someone gets hurt.
