Kentish Express Ashford & District
Teens spotted in abandoned homes
Trespassers have been warned not to enter two abandoned homes after teenagers were spotted clambering on the roof.
The Albert Villas in Chart Road have been deteriorating for many years, with windows smashed and brickwork crumbling.
But there have been repeated reports of people entering the semi-detached houses - and even of catapults being fired at passing cars from them.
The town’s neighbourhood watch co-ordinator Peter New has now issued a statement in a bid to deter people from trespassing.
“This is exceptionally dangerous and a fall from that height is going to result in injury, maybe even life changing or fatal,” he said.
“I speak from my fire service experience - this is extremely dangerous and absolute madness.
“At a time when our ambulances/hospitals are extremely stretched, please help prevent an accident occurring and please report any such incidents immediately.”
One potential reason for a recent surge in incidents could be a post on a popular urban exploration forum.
However the Central Ashford Community Forum is now prompting steps to be taken to contact the owner of the site, which is close to the Barrow Hill Veterinary Hospital.
Having discussed the issue at their January 11 meeting, the trustees noted that planning permission to renovate the houses and build a copy alongside them had been granted in 2018.
Trustee Michelle Krawczyk said: “This anti-social behaviour is not only a nuisance to local residents, but also possesses a significant risk to those participating in the behaviour.
“In our meeting earlier this month, the forum trustees discussed the current planning status of the buildings.
“The owner submitted an outline planning application, with the council deciding to permit in April 2018.
“Since then, it appears nothing has been done to move forward with the applications or works.”
She highlighted the three-year time limit on the application, which will expire on April 24.
Ashford Borough Council’s deputy leader Cllr Paul Bartlett (Con) - a fellow forum member - has asked the council’s community support unit to contact the owner for an update on the building.
He also asked what support, if any, Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council could provide through the “no use empty” scheme, for example a non-interest loan.
Mr New added: “If you live in the area, please report all incidents around the buildings to the police.
“I would normally say 101 which may be applicable, however if you see behaviour of people climbing on the roofs, I would ask you to make a 999 call.”
‘This is exceptionally dangerous and a fall from that height is going to result in injury, maybe even life changing...’