House fire sparks ire

Casey councillor Steve Beardon wants council to fence off or demolish this derelict house in Cranbourne or he will take matters

By Sarah Schwager
CASEY councillor Steve Beardon has created sparks after saying he would take matters into his own hands if nothing was done about a derelict Cranbourne house.
Cr Beardon circulated a poster to the media, council and other related parties, inviting people to help him clean up the Russell Street property. Last week, someone set fire to an external wall of the house but it was put out before it did any permanent damage.
The poster has not impressed Cranbourne police. It says: ‘Wanted: Volunteers to break the law and trespass to help clean up a derelict property in Cranbourne’.
Cr Beardon confirmed that the poster referred to the Russell Street house, named the ‘haunted house’ by residents.
“Myself and residents have been highlighting the risk of this house being a fire trap,” he said. “The property needs to be maintained. People are congregating around the property and it’s not safe.
“If we leave it in a derelict condition it’s going to be the target for vandalism.” He believed either squatters or vandals must have started the fire.
Cr Beardon said it was time something was done about the house and if that meant taking matters into his own hands then he would do that.
He said he had already helped clean up grass, rubbish and remove part of the fence.
“The police have failed to act. Someone has to do something,” he said.
“The developer, council and police should hang their heads in shame.”
This year, council officers have issued various letters to the owners seeking the installation of temporary fencing and boarding up and securing all windows and doors.
When this was not done, council undertook the works itself at a cost of $1805, plus four grass slashings and rubbish removal at $1500, which it will seek reimbursement for.
Council has also taken the owners of the property to court in relation to two of 10 unpaid Penalty Infringement Notices for not paying rates.
The planning permit for the development of the site expired last week, but the owners have an extra three months to seek an extension.
In relation to the poster, City of Casey chief executive Mike Tyler said he could not comment and any advice would be given in private consultation with Cr Beardon. “He is an individual. That is a matter for Cr Beardon,” he said.
Senior Sergeant Bernie Kaminski from Cranbourne CIU said the fire was still under investigation and nothing had been determined at this stage.
The fire was started on the external north-west corner of the house at about 2.20am last Wednesday, 22 November. The CFA was alerted after neighbours heard a smoke alarm inside the house. Anyone with information on the fire is asked to contact Senior Constable David Measham at Cranbourne CIU on 5991 0661.