A collapsing roof on a derelict building in Bristol has raised concerns among local residents and officials. The Kernow Audio and Sound building on Mina Road in St Werburghs has been a long-standing eyesore in the community. Henry Eldon, a resident, noticed the partial collapse of the roof and raised the alarm. The building is owned by Mushtaq Ahmed, a notorious landlord with a history of neglecting his properties.
Despite warnings and fines from the Bristol City Council, Ahmed has failed to address the deteriorating condition of the Kernow Building. The collapse of the roof has further exacerbated the situation, posing a risk to public safety. Local residents have reported instances of anti-social behavior and structural damage to neighboring properties caused by the derelict building.
The council’s building control team is now monitoring the situation and considering legal action to address the dangerous condition of the building. However, the process of issuing a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to acquire the property from Ahmed may be complex and costly. Residents and officials are calling for decisive action to either compel Ahmed to renovate the building or to force him to sell it to a responsible owner who can redevelop the site for community use.
The collapse of the Kernow Building highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in dealing with negligent property owners and derelict buildings. It also underscores the need for stronger legislation to hold landlords accountable for maintaining their properties. The Bristol City Council is urged to take proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and to prioritize the safety and well-being of residents in the community.
