The owners of a former pub have given it a wash and brush after after being given an untidy land notice by council chiefs

The Stonemasons Arms is looking much better after being given some much needed TLC and the council has reminded five other sites across the city that the owners will now face further legal action after failing to clean them up.

The council said the sites have been left in a poor condition after buildings have been demolished and in some cases piles of rubble remain on the sites, which has attracted further fly tipping.

Improvement notices were issued last last year which required the landowners to tidy up the sites and securely fence them off by the middle of February.

The Stonemasons Arms has scrubbed up well

The sites that were issued with notices were:

  • Stonemasons Arms, Albert Road – complied with
  • Pottery Quay – complied with
  • The Chase, Vinery Lane– complied with
  • Brown Bear Site, Chapel Street Devonport – not complied with
  • East Park Ave, Dale Road – not complied with
  • Shepherds Wharf, Commercial Road – not complied with
  • Oceanique, Derry’s Cross Site  – not complied with
  • Mayflower House, City Centre – not complied with

Of the eight notices that were issued the required work has been carried out at Stonemasons Arms, Pottery Quay and The Chase at Vinery Lane.

Councillor Mark Lowry, cabinet member responsible for finance said: "The vast majority of land owners are responsible and regularly maintain their land. Unfortunately, there are a few who seem reluctant to do anything, allowing these sites to deteriorate and become real eyesores in the local community.

"This is completely unacceptable at any time, and especially now as we prepare for the Mayflower 400 celebrations. This is why we are determined to take tough action and get these sites sorted out. More actions will follow as we continue to target the owners of neglected land and properties."