THE owners of a former pub are being are being urged to comply with a legal notice requiring them to demolish it.

Durham County Council issued a notice against the owners of the Drive 2 Data building, formerly Noah’s Ark, in Seaham last August.

The notice required Malcolm Teasdale, 59, and Valerie Teasdale, 57, both of Maureen Terrace, Seaham, to remove and cease storage of vehicles to the rear of the building in North Railway Terrace; demolish the buildings and remove all demolition waste; and leave the site free from all rubble.

It was issued following concerns about the condition of the building which is in a prominent location in the town and in a conservation area but no action was taken.

The couple were prosecuted and pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the requirements of a Section 215 Notice when they appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court in July.

They received conditional discharges and have until the end of September to knock the building down or face the risk of further proceedings.

Councillor Kevin Shaw, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for strategic housing and assets, said: “The Drive 2 Data building was significantly damaged as the result of fire and sitting in the prominent position that it does in the heart of the town, it has had a particularly adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area.

“The council has attempted working with the owners over a long period of time and was unsuccessful in achieving an outcome. This left us no alternative other than to seek court action, which has subsequently supported the council’s issuing of a notice requiring the building’s demolition and we strongly urge the owners to comply with that notice.

“In recent months we have seen the demolition of the former Lord Byron pub, which stood adjacent to Drive 2 Data and had also stood derelict for some time.

“The demolition of both will lead to the removal of a significant blight on our town centre and I am sure residents, businesses and a growing number of visitors will welcome it.

“This also sends out a very clear message to adjacent owners that enough is enough as we accelerate further investment into the heart of Seaham.”