Rethink on Bethany site

The derelict and crumbling Bethany Project could be a permanent blot on Stafford's landscape after the county council announced it was "scaling down its original proposals" for full demolition.

The former homeless hostel was due to be bulldozed on August 14 this year, after lying empty since it was gutted in an arson attack more than a year ago.

But the project was delayed and today county council bosses revealed work would start on November 27 but will only include knocking down rear outbuildings and see the bricking up of doors and windows.

In September the council assured the people of the town that full demolition would take place in the near future, yet talks reached deadlock when businessman Mike Thompson, whose Motoring Solutions business is adjacent to the Bethany Project, demanded compensation to relocate.

Both borough and county councils have now adjusted plans passing the buck for demolition on to new housing association Midland Heart.

Glyn Roberts, deputy corporate director for property for Staffordshire County Council said: "We will be carrying out works to make the site secure until it can be transferred to the housing association who are not yet ready to take it on.

"As for the long term plans for the site and whether it will be demolished or not, this really rests with the housing association, which will be submitting plans to Stafford Borough Council for approval at some point."

Steven Jenkins, spokesman for Staffordshire County Council added: "We have been liaising with our partners and on Monday November 27, workers will move on site to undertake the first stage of the demolition.

"This will involve the removal of the rear outbuildings, the removal of internal fixtures and fittings, such as the stairwell, and the complete bricking up of all windows and doors on the main building."

The Bethany Project was shut in August 2005 following the arson attack. It was the final nail in the coffin for the hostel, which was set to shut down because of reports of serious problems regarding residents' behaviour. Core funding was withdrawn because of management failings.

Mr Thompson said he has been kept in the dark about plans for the site and said he is annoyed by the local authority's attitude. He said: "I am not at all happy about the way things have been dealt with."