COUNCIL bosses have threatened to step in and bulldoze a derelict former bingo hall, before leaving the demolition bill with the owners.

Basildon councillor Craig Rimmer’s comment comes as frustrations continue to grow among residents at the “eyesore” that is now the old Gala bingo hall in High Road, Pitsea.

The site has been derelict for years and been damaged by a number of fires in the building.

With a lack of progress on future plans for the site, Mr Rimmer, who is responsible for regeneration at Basildon Council, insists time is running out for the owners of building to take action.

Earlier this year, the council was given costs of £5,000 and a demolition order was re-instated, meaning work must begin by March 1.

Mr Rimmer said: “I think it’s likely the council will demolish the building and I think we will be billing the owners for it.

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“Based on the lack of and level of response from the owners, I think it’s highly likely this will happen. Nothing has been done and the owners have been very unresponsive.

“I think we’ve got to see some kind of development there and possibly with commercial or community space and flats.

“Residents want to see something done with the site and something there that’s not an eyesore.”

The SMP group, which owns the old bingo hall, had previously claimed they wanted to replace it with shops and flats.

But the proposals have yet to move forward amid claims the council did not support the scheme - something the council has flatly denied.

The former bingo hall has been hit by two fires and a flood since it closed in 2009.

Pat Rackley, 72, of Laindon said: “I don’t know why it’s all taken so long and it’s been an eyesore for years - it sticks out like a sore thumb.

“I would like to see the council to step in very soon and take control and do something with the site. The site must be redeveloped as soon as possible.

“The market has been revamped and there are nice shops there, so the bingo hall brings down the whole area.”

The SMP group was contacted for comment.