A public call for action on a 20-year derelict house in Swindon has been issued.
Oxford House on Victoria Road has been uninhabited for decades and fallen into disrepair.
A sign over the front door reading “Help Me” is the latest in appeals for the house on a “premier” street to be repaired and brought back into use.
(Image: Chris Evans) The sign would be visible to bus passengers disembarking at the bus stop just outside the house.
'Disgrace' The house derelict for 20 years on 'premier' Swindon street
It was spotted by Chris Evans last Saturday, July 13. Chris has been fighting for Swindon Borough Council to take legal action forcing the owner to patch up the property.
The identity of the person who slung the sign is not known but Chris commented: “It is surely the cause of anybody and everybody who cares about the state of our town.”
(Image: Chris Evans)Chris owns the property next to Oxford House and was inspired by the sign to pen a poem from the perspective of the house calling for help.Swindon Borough Council is attempting to force the property owner to carry out essential works on the house.
Powers under the Housing Act are being used following unsuccessful attempts to “encourage” the owner to carry out improvements.
A council spokesperson warned: “Bringing long-term empty homes back into use is often a very complicated and lengthy process.”
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