Ross-on-Wye residents fear there are rats or pigeons are living above American pizza takeaway Domino’s and are calling for action over rundown properties in the town.
Caroline Hopkins expressed her frustration over the state of many local buildings at a recent Ross town council including the properties above the pizza place at 33 Gloucester Road.
Herefordshire Council has twice served a section 215 notice, also known as a visual disamenity notice, on the property in the last five years, according to a recent freedom of information request.
These notices are served on land that is judged to be adversely affecting the local area.
“I spoke to the county staff and they have reported either pigeons or rats running around in the ceiling,” Ms Hopkins said at the meeting.
“They said when they went in to get it renovated, they had access to go up to the second floor.
“They said there were pigeons up there but since they’ve renovated it, it has been all locked down by the landlords.
“The outside of the shop is in a state. I don’t understand why the council hasn’t been after the landlord.”
Councillors said they had previously raised concerns over pests at the property with Herefordshire Council.
But environmental officers did not deem any action was necessary.
Councillor Jane Roberts said: “We did put pressure on Herefordshire Council to go out and inspect the property.
“And their response to us was that it wasn’t actually in such an unfit state for them to take action it.
“We were disappointed by this response.
“Now that you have raised it we will raise it with them again.”
A spokesman for Dominos said: "We'd like to reassure customers our store is completely sealed off from the property upstairs and has exceptional hygiene standards with a 5-star independent rating. We conduct regular hygiene and pest control checks, so we're confident our store is unaffected. However, we've raised our concerns with the landlord, who is responsible for the property in question."
Other properties which have been served with visual disamenity notices in the last five years include 22 High Street, 20 Wye Street, 1a Market Place and 49 Broad Street.
Work on replacing ageing Victorian water pipe in Monmouth to continue
Designer appointed for redevelopment of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery
Charities calling for clarity on when new base for people with disabilities will be available
Hereford car showroom plan for new SUV brands
‘Improved’ plan to replace turkey sheds with houses near Leominster
Emergency services respond to explosion at BAE Systems Monmouthshire site
Legal challenge launched to prevent demolition of Three Counties Hotel
Number of empty homes in Monmouthshire reduces since council tax premium
