MP Calls for action on vacant sites in North Walsham

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th Jul 2010

Norman Lamb, Lib Dem MP for North Norfolk has met with Council Officers and local Councillors to discuss the number of empty sites around North Walsham.

Following a recent initiative by the Town Council, the MP decided to call the meeting after local residents had contacted him raising concerns.

Norman said " I am unhappy that developers have left some sites looking untidy and overgrown. If a building becomes derelict and surrounded by weeds and undergrowth it has a damaging effect on the surrounding area."

Norman has written to the rail freight company which owns buildings next to the railway station urging them to smarten the appearance of the area.

Council Officers made clear that they do have some powers to require an improvement to derelict sites and buildings but they are limited.

Local Councillor Eric Seward who attended the meeting is trying to get progress at the vacant site on the junction of Mundesley Road and Northfield Road. The meeting was told that the company who owned it had gone into administration and enquiries were being made to identify the administrators.

Norman Lamb has made a plea to developers who are "sitting on sites" and waiting for an upturn in the economy to make sure they keep them tidy and in order.

"This is really important to the town" said Norman Lamb.