Greenwich council have committed to regenerating Plumstead following locals campaigning to change neglected high street buildings.

As reported in The News Shopper, the council were under fire from locals about dilapidated buildings on Plumstead High Street.

The state of the building at 64 Plumstead High Street drew particular score for its decrepit image.

A letter was sent to owners of properties on Plumstead High Street warning that if a dilapidated building is not cleaned up that the owner may be prosecuted.

Aspects that letter says the council will be looking at include dirty or peeling paintwork, weeds growing out of gutters and brickwork, and advertisement boards on the pavements.

Residents had formed the Plumstead and Abbey Wood Regeneration Committee (PARC) intent on pressuring the council into using powers given to them under the Section 215 Town and Country Planning Act of 1990.

The act gives local councils the power to force property owners to clean land when its condition adversely affects the amenity of the area.

Johnny Beverton, spokesperson for PARC, said: “We’ve maintained that a scheme similar to Newham Council’s Linear Gateway Project to clean up Plumstead High Street would be a welcome move and it’s great to see the council listening to the calls from locals and various residents groups.

“Longstanding residents and newcomers alike want to see Plumstead High Street become a vital part of everyday life and an area welcome for all to frequent and support local businesses of all backgrounds.

“There are certain buildings that have been allowed to become dilapidated to the point of potential danger to the public and we urge Greenwich Council to audit these properties and enforce section 215 powers where possible.

“As their condition adversely affects the amenity of the area, we will be watching these forthcoming developments closely and look forward to working and collaborating with the council where possible to ensure the development that Plumstead High Street deserves to serve the community.”

A spokesperson for the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: “The Council is committed to regenerating Plumstead to bring new visitors and trade to local businesses.

“We are making highways improvements to improve traffic and have ambitious plans to redevelop the library and leisure centre, creating a new civic hub right in the heart of the High Street. More than £11 million of investment will create a new civic hub right in the heart of the High Street.

“But with all these plans in hand in order to freshen up the High Street and surrounding streets, we need owners of the properties to take pride in their buildings and so we have written to them asking them to do their bit to make their business, and therefore the High Street, a more inviting place.

“Ward councillors have acted on the concerns of residents. No one is going after anyone but it is important that everyone takes responsibility for these improvements.

“We value the businesses who have traded on Plumstead High Street and are happy to support them and work with them to bring about a new lease of life for Plumstead High Street.”