By Olivia McInnes

It’s no secret that what was once a baronial building known to Condobolin locals as the Renown Theatre, has sadly over the years become a dilapidated health risk to the community.

The Lachlan Shire Council has recently taken action to amend the situation, serving an order on the current owners of the building, Fatsea’s Enterprises.

General Manager of the Lachlan Shire, George Cowan said “The order requires the owner to secure the premises and control the vermin within, in particular the pigeons and the mess they have made”.

Soon after the order was served by Council, a law firm requested an extension of time on behalf of Fatsea’s Enterprises due to their clients ill health, and to organize contractors to carry out the requested works.

The Council approved the extension of time, giving Fatsea’s Enterprises until April 2012 to carry out the order.

“So far he (Mr John Fatsea) has been cooperating and we are making progress,” George said.

The order served by the Lachlan Shire Council stipulates;

• Repair of external windows,

• Repainting of external finishes,

• Removal of all bird nesting areas from the external and internal areas of the building as well as implementing measures to prevent further roosting of pigeons.

• Installation of new guttering,

• Removal of all graffiti to the exterior building,

• The implementation of effective vermin control measures to control mice and rats on the premises.

“If he fails to carry out the order by the appointed time the council has a number of options including going in and doing it ourselves at his expense,” George said.

“The building is a health hazard at the moment so the birds have to go.

“We are removing the birds using a combination of efforts, and we are doing it humanely.

“If anyone would like a pet pigeon for Christmas, put your hand up now,” he said.