A derelict building in Ashton-on-Ribble has been cordoned off for public safety.
The corner building used to be a branch of Barclay’s Bank but has been empty for decades.
According to local knowledge, a man know as Charlie bought the next door sweet shop and later the bank when it closed.
Locals called “Charlie” a recluse, never seen in public. The sweet shop closed after only a short while and nothing was done to refurbish the bank, which has slowly rotted away ever since.
Questions were asked of the council about forcing the owner to make repairs. Apparently, they said the owner was not prepared to spend any money on it and they were powerless to force him to do so
As can been seen in the picture, the buildings are in a very poor state with a flock of pigeons living in the roof space.
Roof tiles have started to fall to the pavement below meaning the immediate area of the building is unsafe.
We have been unable to contact the council about the building over Easter but will ask for an update next week.
Do you have any information about the building? Let us know in the comments below.