A NEIGHBOUR of a derelict Newport house fears its falling roof slates will cause injury to passers-by if the owner does not act.

Stow Hill resident Mervyn Stead lives behind the privately owned North Street house, which has been empty and unused for 30 years.

Mr Stead said slate from the roof has been falling down onto the ground even in the recent warm weather.

He said: "I’ve lived here for 30 years and that house has been derelict and empty all that time. It’s rotten."

The house is located within 50 metres to the entrance of St Woolos primary school, and Mr Stead fears for the safety of its pupils.

He added: "I’m concerned because when the school is open, dozens and dozens of young children come there with their parents. If someone got injured, who would be accountable? Someone needs to take responsibility. All I want is for it to be repaired properly and for it to be safe."

Stow Hill ward councillor Miqdad Al-Nuaimi echoed Mr Stead’s concerns.

He said: "The owner has been dragging his feet for a while. He should have done it all by now. The other side of the roof had been shedding slate but scaffolding was put up and that was dealt with."

In a statement, Newport council said: "Newport City Council sympathises with the neighbours of this privately owned property and has taken action under the limited powers available to the authority.

"Steps taken to try and remedy the situation include serving notice on the owner. It has been of concern for a number of years because of its increasingly derelict condition.

"He has now said he will carry out repairs, and scaffolding has been partly erected, but the council is continuing to monitor the situation."

The Argus was unable to contact the owner for comment.