CALLS have been made to revamp rundown buildings in Newquay town centre to improve the appearance of the high street.

Newquay BID manager Mark Warren believes the owners and leaseholders of buildings that are in a poor state should take accountability and take action.

He recently toured the town centre with Newquay MP Noah Law and Newquay town councillor Jessie Jacobs to discuss some of the buildings that are in a “particularly poor state.”

They particularly focused on the Post Office and the old Kayes Chemist building on East Street. Mr Law will be approaching the Royal Mail to put pressure on the company to address the side wall, which is covered in graffiti.

Mr Warren believes buildings left in a poor state helps to increase antisocial behaviour.

He said: “If I’m being honest certain businesses like the former Kayes Chemist building, which was bought a long time ago, and the main Post Office building both need attention to improve our high street’s appearance.

“The side of the Post Office wall is full of graffiti

“Mr Law will be approaching the Royal Mail to put pressure on addressing the side wall, which is currently in a very poor condition. It one of the most prominent buildings in the town centre.

“I think the owners and leaseholders of buildings that are in a poor state should take some accountability. They help create antisocial behaviour in the area and we do have antisocial behaviour in that Post Office area.”

Newquay BID is helping to improve buildings in the town centre and increase footfall by extending the street art trail.

The business organisation is looking to create four new murals if its funding application is successful.

Mr Warren said: “We are looking at creating an additional three murals. One would be on the side of Truscotts Fish Bar overlooking the Fore Street car park.

“Also one on the side wall of Northshore surf shop as and the mural there is broken and is looking shabby.

“We are also looking at creating a couple of smaller murals. One at Morfa Hall and another on the wall of Saltwalls Gallery looking towards the Killacourt.

“It is all very much dependent on funding being available. We put in an application for Town Regeneration Investment Programme (TRIP) funding, which is for revitalising areas of the town.

“For us murals help to improve buildings and drive footfall. Not just down the main street but also to secondary areas.

“I love the mural in Gover Lane for example. It is an amazing area of Newquay that has new businesses, which have opened there.

Newquay BID would not consider investing in a mural on a building that is in a poor state.

Mr Warren said: “I would not put a mural on these walls where the buildings are rundown. The owner or leaseholder of the building would need to provide a wall that has been cleaned up, painted and is presentable.

“Businesses should keep their businesses tidy on the outside as well as the inside as it is brand damaging. I would not invest in a mural for a business, which is not investing in their business.”

A Post Office spokesperson said: “The premises, where Newquay Post Office is based, is leased by Post Office. Therefore, the wall alongside the branch is the responsibility of the landlord. We would advise that the MP and Newquay Town Council raise the matter with the landlord. We have informed the landlord about complaints about this wall.”

The Royal Mail has been contacted for a response.