Local MP David Mundell is renewing his long standing call for the former Mercury Motor Inn in Moffat to be demolished. The building which is owned by the Edinburgh Woollen Mill has been derelict since 1999 and there have been various proposals to redevelop the site but none have come to fruition.
Now local resident Elly Hurren has started a petition to have the building demolished. Mr Mundell who is supporting Mrs Hurren’s petition said: “I am deeply disappointed that after all these years nothing has happened on the Mercury site. It is still a blight for both locals and visitors from the southern entrance to Moffat and we seem to be no further forward in having anything done about it despite repeated attempts over the past ten years.
“I know Edinburgh Woollen Mill has had various proposals for the site but so far nothing has happened and the building remains an eyesore. As we are about to enter 2012, I am now calling on the Edinburgh Woollen Mill to take action to demolish the building and clear the site regardless of what their plans are otherwise the building is going to continue to deteriorate and be the subject of vandalism.
“Recently we have had people breaking into it; another reason why it needs to come down now. That is my appeal to Edinburgh Woollen Mill and I hope that this time they will listen.”
Mrs Hurren added: "I completely endorse what Mr Mundell has said about the frustrating ongoing situation with the former Mercury Hotel. Having been a resident in Moffat for six years now, I very much hope that the Moffat Woollen Mill, who I believe have a duty and a responsibility to all the residents of Moffat and those visiting the town, who have to live with this horrible and depressing building blotting their otherwise picturesque landscape, will finally take decisive action on the matter."