CITY Hall chiefs should “crack some whips” and slap enforcement notices on derelict eyesores in Bingley and beyond, says a councillor who has singled out two examples – including a building maintained by Bradford Council itself.

Councillor David Heseltine has received written replies to questions he raised regarding the old Technical School Priestthorpe Annexe on Mornington Road, and the Station Master’s house on Wellington Street, both in Bingley.

And he is frustrated by what he claims is a lack of direct action – with only two such notices issued in 12 months.

“They should slap Section 215 Notices on properties like these which are ‘do-it-or-else’ orders that can lead to prosecution,” Cllr Heseltine (Con, Bingley) said.

“It would be very nice to clear up two of Bingley’s blots, but it’s true that across the district there are closed properties that make places look a disgrace.

“Let’s crack some whips and get some tidy-up enforcement out there which everyone would approve of.”

Cllr Heseltine asked at a meeting of the full Council: “In light of the numerous derelict buildings throughout Bradford District, such as Station Master’s House and Priestthorpe Annexe in Bingley, can the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning inform members of the number of Town & Country Planning Act (1990), Section 215 notices, which have proved very effective for other councils, which have been served within the Bradford District?”

He has been told that in the last 12 months, June 30, 2015, to July 1, 2016, the department had issued two such notices – which Cllr Heseltine said was an ‘inadequate response” to the problem.

Regarding the Technical School annexe, officers replied: “Priestthorpe Annexe is owned by an Educational Charitable Trust established in 1907. Whilst Bradford Council acts as trustee, costs associated with the property are the responsibility of the Trust rather than the council.

“If Estate Management’s proposed course of action is approved on behalf of the Trust, an application will be made to the Charity Commission for permission to market the property. In the meantime, the property is subject to regular inspection.”

A Section 215 notice may require steps to be undertaken by the owner of the land to remedy its condition. Failure can result in prosecution.

Local historian Allan Mirfield said: “The Technical School would need a heck of a lot of work, but it is spectacular and was built in honour of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.”

Bingley Town Council chairman Terry Brown said it was also waging a campaign to improve both properties and had written to City Hall. “We have received a reply which will be discussed at our next council meeting on Tuesday, August 30,” he said.

Developer Whetley Mills Ltd, of Bradford, which owns the Station Master’s house, said it was actively marketing the property.

In reply to Cllr Heseltine, Bradford Council leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “I understand your concerns, but we have to work within the remits of the law and officers push as much as they can, but legislation does not always allow them to complete.”