Green Party councillors in Tong Ward are calling for urgent action to demolish the former Yorkshire Martyrs School off Westgate Hill Street following yet another fire at the site over the weekend.
Emergency services were called out once again to deal with a blaze at the abandoned building — the latest in a string of fires, break-ins and safety issues that have plagued the site for almost a decade.
All three Green councillors for the area: Matt Edwards, Celia Hickson and Ursula Sutcliffe, say the site has become a serious risk to public safety and a symbol of neglect, and are demanding that the Council force the owners to either demolish the building or sell it to someone who will act responsibly.
“This building has been a hazard and an eyesore for far too long,” said Councillor Matt Edwards.
“It creates a terrible first impression of Bradford for thousands of people travelling down the A650 — but much more seriously, it puts firefighters, police officers and residents in danger every time there’s another incident.
“The owners have shown complete disregard for the community, and the Labour-run Council has failed to take strong enough action. We need to stop waiting.
“This building needs to be demolished, and the site brought back into use in a way that benefits local people.”
Green councillors have been raising concerns about the site for years.
On 8 July, Councillor Celia Hickson raised the matter publicly at Full Council, asking what enforcement action the Council was taking.
In response, a senior Labour councillor admitted that Community Protection Notices issued earlier this year had failed, and that the Council was still “considering” other enforcement options.
Councillor Celia Hickson said: “The Council has had years to sort this out. The fact we’re still talking about ‘considering options’ after nearly a decade just isn’t good enough.
“This building is a danger. It’s attracting fires and anti-social behaviour. If the owners won’t act, the Council must force their hand — by pushing for demolition or a sale to someone who will take responsibility.”
The Green Party is calling for stronger enforcement powers for councils and a proper plan to make sites like this safe, secure and part of the community again.