COUNCIL ORDER TO OWNERS.

The owners of The Three Pigeons in Richmond have been threatened with court action if it does not start repair work on the site within the next three weeks.

Richmond Council has issued the Inntrepreneur Pub Company with an Urgent Works Notice to return the building to its former glory or face a compulsory buy-out.

Council leader David Williams said: "The council has been concerned at the neglect of The Three Pigeons for quite a long time now and both the Secretary of State and the council want to see this building repaired and used as a pub/restaurant. It's an important part of Richmond riverside and the council can force the owners to make repairs to the building."

Attention has been focused on the pub following a fire nearly two weeks ago which saw the roof destroyed and both floors damaged.

Inntrepreneur has submitted plans to Richmond Council containing speculative housing applications which have been refused by the council and the Secretary of State on Appeal.

Mr Williams said: "It should be a building for public benefit, not just an expensive, exclusive housing development - I think the owners should understand that we are very serious about that."

With the support of the Secretary of State, Richmond Council could compulsorily buy the property under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Spokesman for owners Inntrepreneur, David Hughes, said: "We would appreciate the opportunity to meet with the leader of Richmond Council to get his views on exactly what repairs are necessary on the pub and will be contacting him as soon as possible to seek a meeting."

An investigation into The Three Pigeons fire is being carried out by Richmond police who have described the cause of the blaze on January 11 as "suspicious."

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