Emergency action has been taken to secure a 'dangerous' abandoned pub in Timperley after repeated fires and trespassing left residents frightened. The Pelican pub and motel on Manchester Road has been boarded up and fenced off following a deterioration in safety, with the latest fire occurring just last month. For Oldham residents, such scenes are all too familiar, as similar derelict buildings in the town have sparked community concerns over safety and anti-social behaviour.

Local councillor Kaushik Chakraborty highlighted the severity, stating, "It is evident that the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent days – with several police incidents and fires being recorded. It is clear that there is a risk that those entering the site may harm themselves and others. Many appear to be young people." This echoes worries in Oldham, where abandoned properties often attract youth and pose risks, prompting local authorities to take similar preventive measures.

Trafford Council has served a notice on Greene King, the owner of The Pelican, warning of its intention to carry out emergency measures including potential demolition to block unauthorised access. The brewery will be expected to cover the costs. The site is now secured with boarding and fencing, much like the steps taken in Oldham to secure dangerous buildings and ensure public safety.

The building, a Tudor revival style pub designed by architect George Wescott and dating back to 1931, has been described as a 'non-designated heritage asset' by the government's planning inspectorate. This designation previously protected it from demolition plans, as local councillors had objected to proposals to replace it with housing. Coun Meena Minns said in 2022, "The building is a landmark. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have been in the Pelican and I think it could be brought back into use. Knocking it down and replacing it with a monstrosity is not the way to go." Oldham too has its share of heritage buildings, and balancing preservation with safety is a common challenge faced by the community.

Residents have expressed mixed feelings. While some welcome the security measures, others lament the loss of a historic landmark. One commented, "Such a shame this landmark is left to ruin. I really hope it's renovated and not demolished." This sentiment is similar to debates in Oldham over the future of historic sites like the old town hall or local mills, where preservation versus development often divides opinion.

A Greene King spokesperson said, "We are in conversations with the local council regarding the Pelican Inn site, and we are taking appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of the site." They added that a third party controls the Altrincham Lodge, another part of the site, and the chain is not responsible for measures there.

Rose Thompson, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Communities and Safety, said, "We are pleased to see that the Old Pelican Inn and the Altrincham North Lodge have been secured to prevent any further trespassing. These are derelict and potentially dangerous buildings, having been closed and unused for several years, and our priority is that people stay away, to avoid risk of injury or worse." She confirmed that GMP will continue to monitor the location, working jointly with the council and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to review the full range of powers available.

In Oldham, similar collaborative efforts are in place. The local council works closely with police and fire services to address anti-social behaviour at derelict sites, ensuring that community safety remains a top priority. This case in Timperley serves as a reminder of the challenges faced across Greater Manchester in managing abandoned properties and the importance of swift action to protect residents from harm.