THE owners of the former Halton Magistrates court have been issued a warning to ‘clean up’ the mess of the site.

Runcorn MP, Mike Amesbury, has voiced a public plea to the private owners of the property to clear up the building and the surrounding area which is ‘daubed in graffiti’.

The warning came after the Labour MP, who represents Weaver Vale which covers that part of the town, spotted the wreck on a recent walk-about and was immediately concerned by the safety threat the site posed to children within the community.

Detailing the criminal activity that has been drawn to the court’s parameters since its closure, Mr Amesbury said: “Recently we had a cannabis farm growing inside and then a fire, right next door to the town’s police station. Now the exterior and surroundings are daubed in graffiti – some of it obscene - and there is broken glass on a stairway that could be dangerous, especially to children.”

Runcorn and Widnes World:

The former Magistrates court which closed in January 2016, was closure as part of the government’s £700m ‘modernisation plan’ to save tax payers money on ‘underused court buildings’.

The council have backed the demand for a clean-up with council chief executive, Stephen Young, offering to issue a ‘formal notice’ if no action is taken.

Addressing the owner’s lack of upkeep to the area, Mr Amesbury said: “It’s not good enough. I don’t know if the owners are sitting on their investment, but they still have a responsibility to ensure the site is tidy and safe.”

He added: “I’m grateful to the CEO for treating this seriously. I hope the property owners do the responsible thing and respond to the clean-up request without delay. If not, the council has the power to issue a formal notice requiring them to do so.”