'Scandal' to allow Salford's historic buildings fall into ruin

A councillor has said it is a "scandal" that some of Salford's historic buildings have been left empty and fallen into disrepair.

Coun John Warmisham, who represents the Pendleton and Charlestown ward, said a number of listed and historically important sites off Broughton Road have fallen into disuse, leaving the area looking like a "shambles."

He supported new plans to turn one of the buildings - Pendleton House - into new apartments, but said more work has to be done to improve the area.

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Pendleton House was built in 1936, but planning documents say it was last used in 2011 before it was left in its current state.

The building is not listed, but was first used as a public assistance office, before being turned into a coroner's court and later used as council offices and by the NHS.

At a town hall planning meeting on October 10, Mr Warmisham said it was an "absolute disgrace" to have abandoned the site.

"It's an absolute scandal that this building was left so long and deteriorated the way it was," he said.

"The way it was looked after, the fly tipping, the way people got into the building and it wasn't secured. It's an absolute disgrace that such a beautiful building was destroyed.

"The owners of the building should apologise to the citizens of Salford for the way that they've left it."

A plot to turn the site into new apartments was approved by Salford council at Thursday's planning meeting. The plans will see a total of 88 flats created, with each home classed as 'affordable' housing to be priced below market rates.

But more should be done to protect the historic sites in the area, Coun Warmisham said.

He added: "I'm quite happy that something is going to be done now [at Pendleton House], I welcome the plans, it's been a long time coming.

"This area is the gateway into Charlestown and it's a shambles at the moment.

"Look at the Maypole and Co-op [Pendleton Cooperative] which are both grade II listed buildings, there's been no investment in them.

"The Co-op has had to be closed because of the fire regulations. You look at the state of something like the Railway pub.

"On Broughton Road as you come off you see the beautiful church at St Thomas', and then you have just got this shambles of old buildings that are being allowed to go decrepit. I think we should be looking at some enforcement law."

Coun Robin Garrido, leader of the opposition at Salford council, supported the calls.

He said: "We have a number of listed buildings throughout the city of Salford and unfortunately this is not the first one which has been allowed to stand empty and deteriorate, there are lots of other examples.

"There are other listed buildings where we allow posters to be stuck all over them, and as an authority we do nothing about it."

The council has taken steps to bring some of the city's historic buildings back to life.

Work is taking place to restore Buile Hill Mansion, which is expected to cost around £7 million and will become home to the council's registry staff when ready.