Action is being taken over a derelict much-loved former pub and music venue.
Lancaster City Council said it has served a Section 215 Notice on the company owners of the former Yorkshire Taps which covers the untidy nature of the site.
A Section 215 Notice is a legal order forcing an owner or tenant to clean up untidy land or fix a broken-down building that makes the local area look unsightly.
The building has been empty for six years since the closure of the Yorkshire Taps, previously known as the Yorkshire House.
The Yorkshire House was a renowned local music venue during its heyday.
But since closure, the building has been repeatedly targeted for vandalism and trespass.
There were also at least two reported fires at the premises in summer 2024.
“The council has completed the boarding and securing works to (the) Yorkshire House, which were necessary and undertaken following continued concerns regarding the condition of the property, repeated unauthorised access, vandalism, and the associated risks to public safety," said a Lancaster City Council spokesperson.
"The works carried out secure both the building and the wider site, particularly the rear of the property where access has been a significant concern.
"This should substantially reduce the opportunity for further trespass, vandalism and damage whilst also improving public safety.
“The council’s planning enforcement team has served a Section 215 Notice on the company owners which covered the untidy nature of the site. The compliance period for the notice has passed, and no attempt by the owner has been made to tidy the site, and therefore prosecution proceedings have been instigated for failure to comply with the notice.”
Councillor Caroline Jackson, Lancaster City Council leader and local councillor for Bulk ward, said: “It is heartbreaking and worrying to see the state the current owners have let this building get into.
"We know that young people having getting in from the rear of the building. Intruders have broken all the windows and there are reports that illegal activities are taking place on the premises.
"We know that city council officers are doing all the law lets them in terms of court action but it is a slow, slow business.
"This is an accident waiting to happen and the law is not on our side.
"We call on our local MP to make urgent representation to government about tightening up the law to require owners to keep their buildings safe, well-maintained and a credit to the area. “
Councillors Paul Stubbins and Caroline Jackson outside the former Yorkshire Taps in Lancaster
Her colleague Councillor Paul Stubbins, who represents Castle ward, said: “I contacted the council to ask for the building to be boarded up back in July, to prevent further access and to protect the building.
"It is deeply sad to see it deteriorating in this way.
“I am also aware of two groups of people interested in buying and restoring the pub to its former glory.
"That the owner does not return their calls and instead allows the building to stand empty is terrible for our city.
"Owners of Lancaster’s iconic buildings should act responsibly as custodians of our heritage.
"The Yorkshire Taps has become an eyesore for residents and visitors, just as the Alexander (former Revolution building on Penny Street) is from the south, which is also subject to enforcement action.
“The Yorkshire Taps has now been boarded up by the council this week and a court date for non-compliance with an untidy building notice, is set for mid August."
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