JEREMY IRONS - IRONS' FURY OVER ABANDONED BUILDINGS

IRONS' FURY OVER ABANDONED BUILDINGS

Actor JEREMY IRONS has hit out at owners of historic abandoned buildings - calling for them to be prosecuted for vandalism to British heritage.
The Oscar winner has thrown his support behind campaign group Community Alert on Pubs, which is seeking to protect old bars and hotels in Lyme Regis, southern England.
And he has called on authorities to punish owners of historic buildings who allow their property to fall into disrepair.
In a statement to the group, Irons says, "It seems to me that owners leaving a building abandoned for a long period of time, when that building is part of the local community, should be prosecuted for vandalism to our built heritage.
"I cannot believe that the local authorities do not have the power of compulsory purchase in such a case and I hope they may be prompted into using such power on behalf of the people of Lyme Regis and all of us who value our irreplaceable architectural heritage."