Dear Sir,

I read with interest the article on January 23, New Plans for Clayhouse Inn Redevelopment.

It would be great to see a new Clayhouse rise out of the ruins. It’s noteworthy, however, that although the owners say they have “new plans”, they have not yet submitted anything to Planning Department and may be years away from carrying out their plans.

This building has been in terrible condition for some years, but it has now become a dreadful eyesore and a real danger to the neighbourhood, with the roof in a state of collapse, wooden boarding on windows rotting, ficus growing up and through the building, and brickwork crumbling. It is situated right next to a busy public road and could collapse at any moment. It is a national disgrace.

Surely this building now classifies as a ruinous structure under the Amenities (Control of Ruinous Structures) Act 1950, which gives the Minister of Works and Engineering powers to take action by declaring it an unsightly structure and taking steps to either demand that the owner remove or dispose of the building, or have Government do it at the expense of the owners.

Something needs to be done before there is a tragic accident on the site.

Anonymous,

SMITH’S