Council "eyesore" to be demolished

A DISUSED council depot in Mill Road, Barnstaple, is to be demolished, to clear the way for future developments. North Devon Council owns the old Highways depot on Mill Road, which has been empty for a number of years. Now a demolition company has been hi

A DISUSED council depot in Mill Road, Barnstaple, is to be demolished, to clear the way for future developments.North Devon Council owns the old Highways depot on Mill Road, which has been empty for a number of years. Now a demolition company has been hired to knock the depot down and make the site safe.DRS Demolition National, a firm from St Austell, will begin work today (Monday) for a period of six weeks.Demolition of the disused depot and securing of the site will remove potential dangers, such as asbestos, the risk of fire and the threat of trespassers.Lead member for asset management, Cllr Richard Edgell, said: "We will be carrying out a thorough review of the best uses for this site but taking into account that it is in a flood risk area."Local ward member, Cllr Brian Greenslade, added: "Most people will be relieved to see this work underway especially residents who live close by. "It is also an eyesore that so many people see when using the Downstream Bridge. Its removal will improve the appearance of Barnstaple's riverfront to the thousands who use the bypass each day."There are a number of other empty and derelict buildings in Mill Road not owned by the council, which have been damaged by fire in recent months. The council said that the demolition of its old depot would be a step towards improving the area for local residents. When the site has been completely cleared a two-metre high fence will be erected around it, until a decision is made about its future.