Crumbling hotel needs ‘urgent attention’

CONCERNS have again been raised regarding the “dangerous” condition of a former hotel on Lockerbie High Street. Community councillor Jan Andrews has stressed that the deteriorating state of the old Blue Bell hotel could lead to serious injuries. Ms Andrews pointed out that several members of the community are increasingly worried about the decaying building, which sits in a prominent town-centre location. She has previously shared a selection of photographs documenting large cracks appearing across the structure. Ms Andrews yesterday said: “The building needs urgent attention. It has deteriorated further, especially at the corner. It’s a dangerous building; I can’t believe the state of it. There are large pieces falling off from the building. “It only takes one of these pieces to hit somebody and it could end in a serious injury. “Do we have to wait for somebody to get hurt before something is done? It’s shocking.” The site has been a point of contention for years. Community councillors have previously questioned whether Dumfries and Galloway Council has the authority to compel the landowner to take action. They also highlighted that parts of the building were cordoned off with safety barriers a couple of years ago following concerns about falling masonry. Annandale North councillor Carolyne Wilson stated she has previously reported the issue, alongside secondary problems regarding rats running around the site. She has pledged to flag the matter up once again with council officials. In the past, the council has stated that it has struggled to contact the owner of the building.