Concerns raised over long-term vacant commercial properties in Melton
Concerns have been voiced about the number of prominent commercial buildings which have remained vacant in Melton Mowbray for lengthy periods and the incidents of vandalism which some of them have attracted.
The Melton Times understands that there are approximately 35 vacant properties in the town centre currently and almost half of them, 16, have no known agent working to either let or sell them.
These include the former Tuxford and Tebbutt dairy at Thorpe End, Colles Hall (formerly occupied by the Crafty Slice restaurant) on Burton Street, and The Mall on Nottingham Street.
Neighbouring traders are understood to be concerned by recent break-ins and vandalism at The Mall, with the rear doors having been broken into on a number of occasions, and the potential for fires being started inside the building, which has not been occupied for months.
Windows have been smashed at the rear of the former Melton Times offices, which have been vacant since this newspaper left the premises when the lease expired around eight years ago.
Police say they are aware of recent vandalism at The Mall and they have been investigating it.
A spokesperson for Melton Borough Council said: “We have had reports about anti-social behaviour taking place in and around The Mall on Nottingham Street.
"We are working with our partners at Leicestershire Police and Melton BID to investigate the incident and reduce the likelihood of future incidents at these premises.
"We are aware Leicestershire Police have been in touch with the owners of the property to offer guidance and support.
"We are also looking to work with local schools to see if there are any opportunities to run educational sessions with young people in the Melton borough around the risks associated with breaking into abandoned buildings and engaging in anti-social behaviour.”
James Colclough, manager of Melton BID, would like to see some of the vacant commercial premises either let or sold to new owners for the benefit of the town centre and the local economy.
He told the Melton Times: “Melton BID regularly monitors the vacant unit situation in Melton Mowbray, and tries to connect landlords agents and perspective new businesses together for the prosperity of the town.
"Unfortunately, nearly half of all vacant units have no agent working to let or sell them and a number are falling into disrepair.
"This reflects poorly on the visual appeal of Melton Mowbray and needs to be tackled.
"We believe landlords have a duty to the business community to be actively maintaining and promoting their building towards a positive use case.”
Other prominent properties which have remained vacant for an extended period are the former B&H Midland Services building on Norman Way, the old Barclays Bank premises on Wilton Road plus the former NatWest and TSB branch offices on High Street.
Councillor Sharon Butcher, borough council cabinet member for economic growth, town centre and leisure contacted us by Facebook to say the shop vacancy rate in Melton is 7.8 per cent and below the national average of around 14 per cent.
She posted: “We work hard and closely with Melton Bid. We all want the same outcome.”