'Empty houses invite squatters' say residents

1:01pm Thursday 28th August 2008

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AN invitation to vandalism - that's what neighbours are calling this row of boarded-up houses in Brown Street, Salisbury.

The five properties have been used in recent years as staff accommodation for the Mercure White Hart Hotel.

But last Tuesday workmen blocked up all the ground floor windows of numbers 86, 88, 90, 92 and 94, and all but one of the doorways.

The upstairs windows were papered over.

Retired brigadier Harvey Mason, who lives opposite, said: "The workmen told me they'll stay that way until they are sold. In this climate that could take two years.

"In the meantime these properties are likely to attract squatters and vandals."

Mr Mason and his wife Rosemary, who have lived in Brown Street for 27 years, said other residents are equally upset. They plan to enlist the support of Salisbury Civic Society, and to complain to the district council.

The properties belong to the Moorfield Group, a fund management and property development company.

A spokesman for the owners said: "Moorfield Group has been required by its insurers to board the windows and doors.

"This is to secure the buildings in order to prevent illegal entry, and for safety reasons.

"This is a short-term arrangement whilst the company finalises its plans to upgrade these properties and return them to private residential use.

"During this period, Moorfield will be monitoring these properties closely to ensure security, and will carry out regular internal and external inspections."