This in from Ian on behalf of the Friends of Frank James. Ed
After years of shocking neglect the Isle of Wight Council has finally decided to use its statutory powers and serve an Urgent Works Notice on the owners of the former Frank James Memorial Hospital in Adelaide Grove, East Cowes. Lee Byrne – the Council’s Chief Conservation Officer – has confirmed.
Friend of Frank James and Chartered Surveyor, Ian Pickard, said,
“We are delighted the Council has listened to Island residents and decided to use its powers to stop the wanton neglect of this listed building and cherished local landmark. We’d like to say a big thank you to all those who signed our petition calling on the Council to take action.”
The petition launched by the Friends attracted nearly 3,000 signatures and the support of the Victorian Society and SAVE Britain’s Heritage who regard the building as being of national importance.
The owners now have to carry out the repairs specified in the Notice, failing which the Isle of Wight Council will step in and undertake the works with the cost being recharged to the owners.
Mr Pickard went on to say,
“Whilst this is very welcome news the Isle of Wight Council still needs to step up to the plate and secure a sustainable outcome for this important building. East Cowes should not have a listed building simply abandoned and left deteriorating in this way. It’s in the Council’s interest to turn this site around.”
The Friends of Frank James are an East Cowes based community organisation committed to saving the former Frank James Memorial Hospital, a Grade II Listed Victorian building and cherished local landmark.
Find out more at http://www.ffjh.webs.com/
Image: © Friends of the Frank James Hospital
