Cinema owner to be prosecuted (From Evesham Journal)

Cinema owner to be prosecuted

10:44am Monday 26th February 2007 in News By Steve Mather

THE owner of Evesham's Regal Cinema is to be prosecuted by Wychavon District Council for his unwillingness to repair the ailing building.

Wychavon's Heritage Manager Jim Burgin recommended that owner John Redpath be prosecuted because of his non-compliance to commit to the restoration of the cinema, which has been unused for the past three years.

Some steps have now been made by Mr Redpath to comply with a section 215 Notice served in April 2006.

The committee were told that he has now instructed solicitors to commence with negotiations with Wychavon but they decided that prosecution should still take place as a sign that progress is being made on the issue.

Heritage Manager Jim Burgin said: "I am here to ask the committee for authorisation ot commence prosecution against the owner for non-compliance with a notice we served some months ago.

"Matters are being positively progressed on the 106 agreement, my recommendation still stands."

Bengeworth councillor Emma Stokes added: "I welcome this decision greatly. I would also ask you to please put some urgency behind it and pursue the matter most vigorously."

Cllr Audrey Steele also backed the plans, saying: "I back prosecution and really think we have to keep the pot boiling in this."

The section 215 Notice served in April last year had a compliance period of eight weeks in which he was asked to make changes to prevent the building falling into disrepair. Despite several meetings with council officers, which included offers to help with grant assistance, nothing was done and it seems now that the council has reached the end of its tether.