The owner of a burned-out eyesore at the heart of Bridgend could face legal action.
The three-storey building at 53 Nolton Street — known locally as The Ranch — had been empty for years even before it was ravaged by a fire on April 16, 2020.
Bridgend Council had issued an order for the owner to improve the site's condition before the fire, but it says the owner failed to make any changes.
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The council does not deem the building to be a "dangerous structure". It was last in use as an Italian restaurant called Franco’s.
Structural engineers made the site safe after the fire by removing loose roof tiles, damaged guttering and other debris which could have fallen to the street below, said a council spokesman.
He added: "Prior to the fire, the owner was served with a Section 215 maintenance notice by the council with a requirement to improve the condition of the building within a certain timeframe.
"The owner was also made aware of potential grant funding available from the local authority to help refurbish the building. With improvements not having been carried out and the building continuing to deteriorate, the local authority is now considering further legal action to return this historical building to its former glory."
Councillor Stuart Baldwin, cabinet member for communities, added: “We are aware of the building on Nolton Street and are working closely with our legal team as we look to take the next steps on addressing the issue.
“Bridgend County Borough Council is committed to tackling derelict properties across the county borough which are becoming derelict eyesores.”
The fire last year saw Nolton Street close to traffic as firefighters battled the blaze. Town councillor Dr Angela Morelli said at the time she was "sad" at The Ranch's destruction.
Dr Morelli added The Ranch was a chip shop when she was growing up and she had fond memories of the building.
“It’s one of those places that had a big history in our town and I visited the building a lot when I was younger," she said.
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