NEIGHBOURS in a Barry street say they are at the end of their tethers with a dilapidated property which has been vacant for decades.

The residents, in Edward Street, Barry, have raised concerns about the impact the house has on the street, saying not only is it an eyesore but even potentially dangerous.

The end of terrace house is believed to have not been actively lived in for around 40 years.

The house is surrounded by a pavement and main road and the homeowners fear someone could get hurt as the property deteriorates.

The agent for the property has said that he believes all the neighbours concerns have "already been answered" by the council.

Ron Davies, 54, of Edward Street, said a petition had been organised to force action.

He said: “This situation is endangering the safety of the general public as the narrow pavement running alongside the pine end of the house is in constant use and is the main route parents use to take their children to school.

“It’s an eyesore and a blot on the landscape.

Neighbour, Audrey Phillips, 84, added: “It’s absolutely appalling. I do find it strange when parts are in danger of collapsing that there doesn’t seem to be any real concern.”

A Vale council spokesman said normally a property’s appearance was a matter for the owner and the council would only step in when there were safety concerns relating to a building’s structure or a risk of pest infestation.

He said: “This property has been inspected by council building control officers, who found that it was structurally sound.

“Other officers responded to a complaint about the overgrown garden and general condition of the property in February.

“A site visit was carried out and as there was no evidence of pest infestation no formal action could be taken at that time.”

The spokesman added that the council has the power to take action where it considers the condition of land “adversely affects the appearance of an area”.

He said: “We have a case of this type ongoing in relation to this address. We have written to the owner asking that they voluntarily attend to the land.

“This includes cutting back all overgrown vegetation, repairing the rear wall and the render that has deteriorated.

“They have also been asked to remove all resultant cuttings and waste material from the land. This work should be completed imminently and we will keep the matter under review.”

Agent for the property John Hewitt said: "All the concerns they (the neighbours) have, have already been answered by the appropriate departments at the local authority."