Shopowners enraged by demolition order

Jul 31 2008 by Lesley Brown, Hamilton Advertiser

THE owners of a Larkhall takeaway this week spoke of their anger after learning their premises were to be demolished as a matter of public safety.

Madras Cottage on Raploch Street, along with the hairdressing salon, Hair Studio, and several vacant properties, are to be razed to the ground after a compulsory demolition order was served on the block.

Raz Parnez (26), who works at the condemned food outlet, claimed there were no structural problems with the premises.

He said: “We have been here for years and are just trying to earn a living.

“We were only told yesterday that we have to vacate the property, and we have nowhere else to go.”

Mr Parnez said he had tried to get in contact with other landlords on the block, whose properties are currently empty, but many seemed unconcerned about the prospect of demolition.

He also claimed that members of South Lanarkshire Council’s building standards services refused to show them a copy of the structural engineer’s report.

“I really believe there is nothing structurally wrong with our property. Even if they have to demolish the vacant properties, ours should be allowed to stay,” he said.

“Nobody can even gain access to the damaged parts of the block because they are boarded up, so I don’t see how the public can be in danger.”

Mr Parnez alleged that he and his family had been “left in the dark”, and said: “The council seem to think they can just force us out of here with no compensation, no attempt to relocate us or to rebuild the property.

“We have spent a lot of money on this place, and I don’t know what we’ll do if we are forced out.

“We don’t want to leave as we have nowhere else to go and have bills that need to be paid, just like everyone else.”

A spokesman for South Lanarkshire Council said Mr Parnez was one of six owners of properties in the building.

“Each of these owners has been aware for at least 18 months of the increasingly dangerous condition of the buildings,” she said.

“The council has tried without success to encourage them to agree on a course of action which would make the building safe.

“Unfortunately, the condition of the buildings has continued to deteriorate.

“The independent structural engineer appointed by the council has carried out an extensive survey of the building and the findings of that report confirmed that it presents an immediate threat to public safety for occupants and any potential customers.”

She pointed out that the report’s recommendation was for complete demolition.

“We are always keen to communicate and co-operate with owners in such circumstances, and have made every effort to do so in this case, including face-to-face meetings with the owners, including Mr Parnez, in recent months.

“However, the safety of the public must remain our priority and, given the detail of the structural report, demolition is now the only option.”

The spokesman said the work will be carried out as soon as possible, though a date has not yet been fixed.

Larkhall Labour councillor Jackie Burns said: “I do sympathise with the owners of the takeaway, and understand that they are trying to run a business.

"However, as a matter of public safety, there is no choice but to demolish the building.

“We will do everything we can to support the owners in finding alternative premises in Larkhall.”