Action called on Ely eyesore

A LEADING city group has called for urgent action on a deserted building that it says is giving Ely a bad name from visitors. The building, formerly a fruit and veg shop, is owned by landlord of the Fountain Inn, John Borland, who was given a deadline of

A LEADING city group has called for urgent action on a deserted building that it says is giving Ely a bad name from visitors.

The building, formerly a fruit and veg shop, is owned by landlord of the Fountain Inn, John Borland, who was given a deadline of November this year to redevelop the property by city magistrates.

Now the chairman of the Ely Perspective, Philip Eden, has said urgent action must be taken now that Mr Borland has missed the deadline to complete the work.

"It spoilt the appearance of the city centre for Ely in Bloom and it spoilt things for the Christmas lights switch-on," he said.

"People who live here almost get used to it, but it looks awful to visitors."

He welcomed news that the district council has been in correspondence with Mr Borland to resolve the issue.

"It is really disappointing that it's been in the state it has for such a long time and I can only plead with the owner to do as much as he can to get it restored," he said.

Executive director of development services at East Cambridgeshire District Council, David Archer, said: "It is our aim, and we believe that of the developer, to ensure this property in the heart of Ely is developed to a high standard in the early new year.

"We have been in contact with the owner of 13 Market Street and we have recently received correspondence from the owner updating us on the current position of the development which we are now considering."

Mr Borland said the future of the building was a private matter and that plans were in place for the premises that would go ahead.