'No truth in the rumours' derelict building will be used for asylum seekers

CONCERNED RESIDENTS GATHERED FOLLOWING SOCIAL MEDIA SPECULATION

- By NICOLE GOODWIN

Damian Murray who owns Lancaster House on Brownrigg Drive, Cramlington

RUMOURS that a derelict building in Cramlington will be turned into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) for asylum seekers have been quashed.

More than 100 concerned residents attended a meeting at East Cramlington Community Centre on Monday evening following speculation that the nearby Lancaster House was to be developed into a home for asylum seekers.

Several police officers were also present at the packed meeting which came after claims on social media that people had been seen entering the building at night. Residents had also been informed that the building was to become a HMO, it is claimed.

Now Damian Murray, who owns the building, has confirmed to the community that the building is being renovated to create private rental flats. Mr Murray told The Chronicle that he purchased the building two weeks ago and the plan is to complete a “cosmetic refurbishment” as there is “very little structural work that needs to be done”. He plans for the work to be completed within six months.