Ramsey Commissioners have been informed that ownership of ’Bleak House’, Mooragh Promenade has changed hands.

This comes as encouraging news and the board has resolved to invite the new owner to submit formal proposals in writing in respect of the future of the property (pictured below).

The former Peveril Court was re-named ’Bleak House’ in reference to the Charles Dickens’s novel of the same name which, similarly, involved an irreconcilable dispute between two parties, in this case dating back to 1978.

The commissioners became involved in the saga when the building fell into serious disrepair and legal action was taken to protect the public from falling masonry.

It is hoped the matter is now settled.

Meanwhile, the commissioners are concerned about a number of other ’ruinous buildings’ in the town including Victoria Mall, the shopping arcade off Parliament Street.

Following discussion, the board resolved to commence action against the owners.

In addition, a letter is to be sent to the owner of ’The Holly’, Grove Mount, advising that they are now in breach of a previous notice requiring action to be taken to improve the state of the property.

A report from the Environmental Health Department is still awaited regarding the house, No. 5 College Street.

Following a review of properties in Parliament Street, a number of property owners have been contacted, notifying them of weeds growing in masonry on upper storeys and on chimney stacks.

It was pointed out that the weeds could cause masonry to dislodge and fall off, potentially causing serious injury to people or vehicles, for which the building owner would be liable. Just recently, part of the street had to be closed to traffic for this very reason.

Town clerk, Peter Whiteway said it was hoped that this initial approach would avoid formal action being necessary.

A number of owners had already acknowledged the problem and had undertaken to do the necessary works.

Lead member for finance, Juan McGuinness added: ’We have given an awful lot of people an awful lot of chances and it’s time we started exercising our powers’.