'Eyesore' shop could be revamped

7:21am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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AN "eyesore" derelict village shop repeatedly targeted by vandals and arsonists could soon be redeveloped.

A pharmacist has applied to reinstate the fire-damaged former Spar shop at Central Buildings in Oakdale.

The building has been empty for several years, during which time it has become a target for vandals, suffering numerous break-ins and two deliberate fires.

Now residents and business owners hope a new planning application will mean the end of such problems.

Penarth-based Pearns Pharmacies Ltd, applied to Caerphilly council earlier this month to reinstate the shop and the first-floor flat.

The company already has a pharmacy in the square, which it intends to relocate to the redeveloped premises if planning permission is granted.

Penmaen ward councillor Allan Pritchard welcomed the application, which he said was "brilliant news" for the village.

He added: "This empty building is an eyesore and a carbuncle that has caused us massive headaches over the years.

"The butchers and bakers are fully refurbished, so if this chemist is given the go ahead it will really complete the village."

The latest fire, last November, left the shop, the upstairs flat and a neighbouring property completely gutted.

Ten people were evacuated after the blaze, which put the Brace's bread shop and Prime Cuts family butchers out of business for a month.

Prime Cuts lost an estimated £6,000 in pre-Christmas trade.

Generous villagers in the close-knit community rallied round to help the shop re-open, offering assistance and even holding a fundraising charity event.

All the cash raised was given to owners Phil Jenkins and his sister Angela Bull to help get the business re-open, and to the upstairs flat's resident who was made homeless by the fire.

No-one has been arrested over the incident.