A Cumbrian MP has demanded action over Cockermouth’s Old Courthouse.
Markus Campbell-Savours, who represents Penrith & Solway, put down his second Early Day Motion about the building, which partially collapsed into the River Cocker in October 2023.
In the motion, Mr Campbell-Savours said he believed the building’s owner, Samiul Ahmed, has failed to demonstrate the intention or financial capacity to carry out essential repairs and claimed he had used misdirection to stall Cumberland Council.
Mr Ahmed bought the Grade II-listed building, one of the oldest in the West Cumbrian market town, for £51,000 in 2022. He is blaming Cumberland Council for holding up his plans.
He says legal notices from the authority are stopping him. The council disputes this. Privately-owned buildings are the responsibility of their owners. Legal notices do not prevent an owner from carrying out work on their property.
Mr Campbell-Savours, who has also spoken in Parliament about the Old Courthouse, said in his latest Early Day Motion: “That this House expresses grave concern over the condition of the historic Old Courthouse building in Cockermouth.
“Notes that the building, purchased by Samiul Ahmed in 2022, was allowed to collapse into the River Cocker in 2023 and remains unrestored.
“Further notes that Mr Ahmed has failed to demonstrate either the intention or financial capacity to carry out essential repairs; decries the misdirection and stalling he has engaged in vis-à-vis Cumberland Council.
“Observes that Halal Group Ltd, the company used to limit Mr Ahmed’s personal liability, declared assets of £182,520 in 2023, having acquired a property purchased at auction for £51,000.
“Also notes that despite the building’s hazardous state, the company’s fixed asset value increased to £233,386 in 2024, alongside liabilities of £225,255.
“Calls on Mr Ahmed to publish a full and honest account of the company’s assets and liabilities, including details of the creditors underwriting Halal Group Ltd.
“Urges Mr Ahmed to demonstrate to the residents of Cockermouth, particularly those at heightened risk of flooding, that he has both the financial means and the moral commitment to restore the building and protect the community from further harm.”
Early Day Motions are used to put on record the views of individual MPs or to draw attention to specific events or campaigns. They are motions submitted for debate in the House of Commons with no specified date. Very few are actually debated, but they flag up issues that are of concern to MPs.
Cumbria Crack has approached Mr Ahmed for comment.
