David Sumberg MEP
Date:
26\03\2002
RAT INFESTED SITE MUST BE CLEARED
Manchester
Euro MP David Sumberg has thrown his weight behind a campaign to clear up a rat
infested building site owned by Tesco.
The
old Renold’s Chains site on Burnage Lane in Manchester was bought by Tesco two
years ago but it remains derelict as it has done for the last 15 years.
Residents
had hoped Tesco would finally redevelop the eyesore when it bought the land from
Asda. But Manchester City Council blocked development plans by Tesco because, it
is believed, they were too ambitious.
Mr
Sumberg said the stalemate between the two sides has allowed the site fall into
even greater disrepair causing great distress to residents.
‘Residents
have been complaining to their Stockport Tory Councillor Les Jones and he has
passed the matter on to me,’ he said. ‘As I have cross border responsibility
for both Manchester and Stockport I can take up resident’s concerns with
Manchester council and Tesco and the Department of the Environment.’
‘It
is time for heads to be bashed together. Tesco must not be allowed to get away
with abandoning this site. The plain fact of the matter is the building is an
utterly decrepit health and safety hazard and vermin are crawling all over it.
‘Firstly
the site needs an immediate clear up to make it safe and clean. Secondly it
needs to be established exactly what the future is for the site. Is Tesco still
serious about developing the site? If so can it reach a compromise over the size
of its plans with the council? If not the land needs to be well looked after
while a new owner is sought - who
can put it to good use.’
Mr Sumberg will hold a press call at the site on April 12. Further details will be available closer to the date.