The Newcastle Herald has reported that "Civic leaders are set to seek increased legal powers to bulldoze derelict buildings considered a blight on Newcastle and bill property owners for the cost." In particular the condition of the former Post Office has caused public angst because it is considered a heritage landmark.
The full article by Jacqui Jones is available at The Herald, 4/08/2009.
A corresponding report by the Maitland Mercury included comments from the Maitland Mayor:
"Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore said he would support the idea if Newcastle City Council resolved to put the motion to the conference.
He said councils had some power to act on maintenance where there was a threat to public safety, as had occurred in the case of Bob’s Bird Farm, on High Street, Maitland."
The full article by Briony Snedden is available at the Maitland Mercury, 5/08/2009.
