Dropping the anchor

The Reporter can exclusively reveal that demolition teams are set to start work at the Old Anchor on Monday June 20.

The building will be pulled down before the site is cleared and made secure.

The pub, in Mill Street West, is on a hit list of 11 buildings which Dewsbury Regeneration Board wants to see improved urgently.

Board chairman Coun Paul Kane said: “We tried to work with the owner of this building, but when all else fails, it’s demolition.”

The list was drawn up as part of the board’s work to improve the appearance of the town and encourage landlords to take more care of their properties.

Where owners refuse to co-operate, the council can use legal powers to force them to make repairs or demolish buildings.

Coun Kane said: “This is all for the betterment of the town.

“These buildings were extremely unsightly on the gateways into and out of the town, which leaves a scar on people’s mind when they’re coming in and out.”

After the list was issued last autumn, two council officers began work tracking down owners and negotiating repairs.

But in January, talks with the owner of the Old Anchor stalled and a demolition notice was issued.

The owner lodged an appeal, but dropped his case just before the first hearing. He was then given three months to demolish the building.

“It’s important that people see that our enforcement strategy has got teeth,” said Coun Kane.

“On more than one occasion I’ve said we will deliver on what we’ve promised and that’s what we’re doing.

“We’ve had two officers working on this strategy for the last eight months and other owners of these buildings should beware.

“We’re not stopping here. There’s the mill coming into Dewsbury from Earlsheaton which is certainly within our range and A1 Tyres.”

Other sites on the list are the Savile Hotel and 63 Daisy Hill.