The so called “security fencing” around the former Brown Jug pub site in Sandbeds Road has been broken down yet again. This time it looks as if there was an ulterior motive. A load of household rubbish has been dumped next the building.

Both I and my fellow Short Heath Liberal Democrat councillor Doreen Shires have reported this in to Walsall Council, asking them to get onto the owners to repair the damage to the fence. We have also called for the council to sift through the rubbish to identify and take action against the culprits who clearly have no respect for those living in the area.

We believe its time the council considered using their compulsory purchase powers on both the Brown Jug site and the adjacent site where a number of part-built homes have remained unfinished for many years.

Both sites are a blot on the landscape. It’s clear that the owners of the sites have little interest in seeing them being developed. In the meantime not only are they an eyesore but both are dangerous to life and limb.

The sites are in private ownership so the only action left is to use legal powers. It’s particularly annoying as these really should be prime sites for desperately needed new homes.

So come on Council, act now!