A house abandoned for over 20 years could become flats according to builders who have put up signs around the site.

However, a spokesperson from Construction Edge said that although it had put up a hoarding around the dilapidated house, they could not confirm that it would actually undertake any work, as they were still waiting for the contract.

Neighbours could be hopeful as it is the first sign of progress on the house in decades, apart from some weeding, despite many complaints about the “dangerous eyesore”.(Image: Newsquest)

The Construction Edge spokesperson said: “I’ve not started on it yet, we’re waiting to sign a contract. We probably need another month to find out what is going to happen to that project.”

It is understood that the landlord of 57 Victoria Road, Minaz Moledina, is trying to find the finance for the work. 

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A structural engineer and architect must also assess the property - until then, Construction Edge cannot say if it will be doing the work.

If the work does go ahead it will be to convert the property into six or seven flats.

While Victoria Road landlords may be frustrated at more uncertainty and delay, it is evidence of the council’s claim that “quotes are being sought” for the work.(Image: Newsquest)

Landlords on Victoria Road say the house is damaging their businesses and properties, and residents are afraid of the fire risk and squatters it attracts.

It is owned by Minaz Moledina, a senior partner in a Corsham accountancy firm, who has so far refused to comment on the house.

He was served a section 215 notice by Swindon Borough Council ordering that he refurbish the property - or the council will do it for him.

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In July the council said that if the landlord did not begin repair work on the house by the end of August, it “will still follow through with the works in default”.

The council now admits it has no money to do the work in default and so its best hope is to wait for Moledina to do the work.

Now in October, there is increasing exasperation at the apparent lack of action to refurbish the house.

Landlord Chris Evans previously said: “It gives me little confidence that work will commence anytime soon. It appears the owner [is being allowed] to keep breaking deadlines in the forlorn hope they will commence works.”Chris Evans was one of the first landlords to speak up about the problem propertyChris Evans was one of the first landlords to speak up about the problem property (Image: Newsquest)

The council has said that background work to seek quotes is being done, and it is “relatively confident” that “very slow” progress is being made by the owner.

Other properties owned by Moledina have been the topic of complaints, with 59 Victoria Road spilling raw sewage into a neighbour's house.

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Pictures behind number 59 show an empty former garage, a large hole that fills with water, and smashed windows and internal brickwork left exposed.

The garden and house were left in this state after an extension was demolished which also caused “awful smelling” raw sewage and gas to leak from the house, according to a representative of a neighbouring property company.

Behind 59 Victoria Road - another of Moledina's properties (Image: Newsquest)

A representative from Chalkhills Swindon Ltd, which owns number 60, said: “It’s been left in a sorry state and I don’t understand what his long-term goal is as his investment is devaluing.

“In all the years that he's had it, he hasn't benefited from any rental income really.

“He needs to get it sorted out or sell it."

He added: “It's the impact it has on other people. If it’s not for him anymore, that’s fine, things change.

“But I do not feel that it is for the taxpayers of Swindon to subsidise his business [though a section 215 notice].”

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