Frustration is growing in the Glenkens over a disused building holding up a community housing development.
The Pamela Young Trust, a local rented homes provider, recently bought land in Balmaclellan it wants to develop.
But progress has stalled amid claims that scaffolding on the dilapidated former bakehouse next door is encroaching on the plot.
The trust plans two or three quality homes for rent to help tackle the severe housing shortage in the area.
Its chairman Steve Davie told the News: “The scaffolding is on our site without permission and for us to develop the site for housing it has to be removed.”
The trust has contacted Julian Wontner, who owns the derelict building, asking him to clear the site but no progress has been made.
Mr Davie said: “There are no planning applications in for the building that I know of.
“If we have to go to court he’s making us use up valuable charitable funds for him to do something he should be doing anyway.”
Mr Davie called on Mr Wontner to clear away the clutter from the land.
He said: “We want him to remove the scaffolding off our ground and get the building dealt with.
“Either that or knock it down – it’s been like that since we bought the site.
“We are getting a bit fed up with his nonsense.
“It is a derelict building which could be developed to help address the chronic housing shortage in this area.
“Why can he not make some flats out of it?”
The trust purchased the site following a local housing needs survey.
It was founded in 1992 by Pam Young whose family have lived in the Glenkens for generations. Its original aim was to provide homes for retiring farm workers leaving tied accommodation.
Since then its remit has expanded and welcomes applications from anyone qualifying as potential tenants.
Mr Wontner did not respond to phone calls or emails from the News.
