Disused restaurant building sparks concerns

Farm Restaurant has attracted negative publicity in recent months after the disused premises proved to be a magnet for flytippers.

A concerned resident said: "The site is in a really bad way. It's just been allowed to go to pot.

"Windows are broken and there are weeds everywhere. It's a sad demise as it was always a lovely place to go for a meal. I wouldn't like to be living next door to it.

"I would be worried about a potential fire or kids breaking in and injuring themselves."

The site is being turned into a branch of the successful Indian restaurant chain Shilma Pinks - but it has emerged that North Lanarkshire Council will be intervening beforehand.

Douglas Anderson, the council's assistant business manager (building standards), said: "There has been some vandalism to this building following fire damage, however, work is now progressing well on the refurbishment of the building to bring it back into use in the near future.

"Building standards staff will continue to visit the site regularly during the operations to monitor progress.

"The owner has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the site during these operations and our staff would take appropriate action if public safety was compromised at any stage."

NLC has repeated its call for locals to avoid the flytipping that has dogged sites like this one. Failure to heed that warning can result in massive fines of up to 40,000!

Special uplifts of heavy household items can be arranged by contacting Northline on 01698 403110.